Externship for HBCU Students

Extern; United States; Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading home improvement retailer for an 8-week remote externship focused on AI in retail. Collaborate with peers to analyze and recommend AI strategies that enhance workforce management and customer engagement. Develop skills in AI strategy, workforce optimization, and professional communication while presenting to executives.

Benefits

Hands-On Experience

Professional Network

Future-Ready Skills

Portfolio-Ready Deliverables

A Competitive Edge

Qualifications

• Open to applicants attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Responsibilities

• Analyze AI-driven practices for workforce management.
• Investigate AI-powered customer loyalty programs.
• Formulate actionable AI-based recommendations.

Skills

AI Strategy in Retail

Workforce Optimization & Smart Scheduling

Customer Experience Personalization

Strategic Insight Development

Professional Presentation & Communication

Education

Currently attending HBCU

Job description

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About the job

The Home Depot AI in Retail Technology Externship is an 8-week, part-time, fully remote experience where you'll dive deep into the intersection of AI, workforce management, and customer engagement in one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers. You'll work alongside peers to research, analyze, and recommend real AI-driven strategies that could shape the future of retail operations.

From optimizing how employees are hired, trained, and scheduled to exploring innovations in loyalty programs and payments, you’ll play a vital role in identifying how The Home Depot can adopt AI responsibly and strategically—all while aligning with its values-driven mission.

What You’ll Work On

• AI Workforce Optimization Analysis: Examine AI-driven practices retailers use to enhance scheduling, hiring, onboarding, and workforce productivity.
• Customer-Facing AI Innovation: Investigate AI-powered loyalty programs, personalized experiences, and advanced payment solutions across retail.
• Competitive Benchmarking: Assess and compare AI strategies at leading retailers to identify industry best practices.
• Strategic Development: Formulate actionable, AI-based recommendations to optimize Home Depot's operations and elevate customer experience.
• Executive-Level Presentation: Hone professional communication skills by crafting and delivering a polished slide deck and recorded presentation. Top performers may present directly to Home Depot executives

Future Ready Skills

• AI Strategy in Retail
• Workforce Optimization & Smart Scheduling
• Customer Experience Personalization
• Strategic Insight Development
• Professional Presentation & Communication

What’s Waiting for You

• Hands-On Experience – Work on real-world problems with one of the most iconic brands in retail.
• Professional Network – Learn directly from industry leaders and collaborate with peers from across the country.
• Future-Ready Skills – Build knowledge in emerging technologies, AI tools, and strategy consulting that employers look for.
• Portfolio-Ready Deliverables – Create and present a full analysis and recommendation deck showcasing your strategic thinking.
• A Competitive Edge – Gain skills and experiences that stand out in roles across retail strategy, AI, consulting, and operations.

Why This Is Perfect for You

• This Externship is open only to applicants attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• You are curious about how AI is transforming real-world industries—especially retail.
• You want to explore careers in business, data, tech, or consulting.
• You’re excited to build a project that connects technology and customer impact.
• You’re looking for a remote, flexible opportunity that fits alongside your studies.

Past Students have applied from:

• Morehouse College
• Hampton University
• Florida A&M University (FAMU)
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Xavier University of Louisiana
• Clark Atlanta University
• Tennessee State University
• Bethune-Cookman University

If you’re attending any of these or another HBCU, we encourage you to apply and be part of this innovative opportunity.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Technology, Information and Internet

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