Design Thinking Facilitation Internship - Summer 2027

dukeenergy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Duke Energy invites motivated students to join the Enterprise Innovation team for a summer internship in Charlotte, NC. You’ll act as an internal consultant, shaping smarter energy solutions while collaborating with executives and product teams.

The program emphasizes Design Thinking and human-centered approaches, with mentorship, growth opportunities, and a hybrid work model after onboarding.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited program; no graduation before August 2027.
• GPA 2.75 minimum; higher GPA preferred for selection.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a consultant and central point of contact for internal clients.
• Build relationships, develop domain expertise, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

Growth Mindset

Innovative Thinkers

Strong Communicators

Collaborative Team Players

Detail-Oriented

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in a Design related degree (e.g., Communications, Business, Marketing, Design Strategy, Business Analytics)

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Program Location for 2027: Charlotte, NC

About Us:

Duke Energy, one of the largest electric powers holding company in the U.S., is a Fortune 150 company dedicated to driving the future of reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. Join us in our mission to build a smarter energy future and help drive our transition to net‑zero methane emissions by 2030 and net‑zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Why Duke Energy?

Here are the top 3 reasons why working at Duke Energy as a college student is the number one choice for you:

1. Career Development: Duke Energy provides extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development resources to help students grow professionally.

2. Growth and Reputation: As one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., Duke Energy offers job growth and a reputable name in the industry, which can be advantageous for future career prospects.

3. Work-Life Balance: The company supports a healthy work-life balance with flexible work schedules, remote work options, and employee wellness programs.

Internship Overview:

As part of Duke Energy’s Enterprise Innovation team, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our smarter energy future. We are the enterprise’s go‑to internal consultancy, helping Duke Energy business leaders, product teams, and executives solve complex problems through human‑first strategies and Design Thinking workshop facilitation. From helping these internal clients craft a strategy, get ready for a big change, tell a compelling story, or improve team health, we create the clarity, alignment and speed needed to deliver results.

You will serve as a consultant and central point‑of‑contact for our internal clients, building meaningful relationships, developing domain expertise and delivering multiple complex projects simultaneously.

What We’re Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: A self‑starter with a passion for dreaming big, taking risks, and continuously evolving.
• Innovative Thinkers: Creative individuals who can think outside the box and propose fresh solutions to complex problems.
• Strong Communicators: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of crafting clear and compelling messages.
• Collaborative Team Players: Ability to thrive in a team environment, bringing diverse perspectives and energy to collaborative projects.
• Detail‑Oriented: Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.

Basic Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled and pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s in a Design related degree program such as Communications, Business, Marketing, Design Strategy, Business Analytics or related.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Must not graduate prior to August 2027.

Desired Qualifications:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Strong communication skills and comfort speaking in front of executive teams and groups.
• Openness to learning and applying Design Thinking/Human Centered Design methodology.
• Leadership potential or skills displayed through extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, community service, clubs, and academic organizations)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Previous design internship.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self‑driven, motivated, and proactive

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility. Reliable, consistent transportation is required to ensure timely arrival at the applicable facility. .
• Housing stipend available when applicable
• Many of our opportunities require a 40‑hour work week.
• Internship summer session length is 10-12 weeks
• Must have the ability to pass a background check and drug screening prior to employment

What You’ll Get:

• Hands‑On Experience: Engage in impactful projects that contribute to Duke Energy’s innovative initiatives.
• Mentorship and Growth: Receive mentorship from industry professionals and participate in training sessions to enhance your skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and leaders in the energy sector.
• Competitive Stipend: Earn a competitive stipend while gaining invaluable experience.
• Professional Development: Access to workshops and resources to support your academic and career growth.

Join us this summer at Duke Energy and be a part of a team that’s lighting the way to a brighter, more innovative, sustainable future!

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment‑based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.