Graduate Internship – Operations and Strategy Management

INL; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 20,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday time off

Travel reimbursement for eligible interns

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is offering a high-impact graduate internship focused on operational strategy and institutional leadership. Interns will work closely with senior professionals, tackling real-world challenges in nuclear energy and national security. Students will be expected to apply advanced research and analytical skills to enhance decision-making and efficiency.

This internship provides flexibility in scheduling and aims to enrich the experience through workshops and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. including CPT and OPT.
• Available for a 10-16 week, 40 hours/week internship.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to strategic projects involving organizational assessment.
• Prepare and present findings to INL leaders.
• Engage in workshops and networking activities.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Currently enrolled in a graduate program

Job description

Description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) invites graduate students to apply to a high‑impact internship focused on operational strategy and institutional leadership. This opportunity is for students pursuing advanced degrees who are ready to apply their expertise to complex, real‑world challenges supporting INL’s mission in nuclear energy, national security, and critical infrastructure.

Graduate interns will collaborate with senior professionals to assess organizational systems, evaluate operational performance, and develop data‑informed recommendations that enhance strategic decision‑making and efficiency across INL’s business and operations areas. Interns are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, initiative, and the ability to translate analytical insights into actionable strategies that drive institutional performance.

Internships offer flexible start and end dates to accommodate university schedules. Early applications are encouraged to increase opportunities.

Common Majors

Business & Management

• Business Administration, Business Management, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Business Law, Data Analytics

Communications & Public Engagement

• Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Liberal Arts

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Human Resources, Psychology, Education

Policy, Law & Administration

• Public Policy, Political Science, International Policy, International Security, Legal/Auditing, History

Emergency & Records Management

• Emergency Preparedness, Document and Record Management

Economics & Social Sciences

• Economics, Sociology

Other related STEM majors will be considered based on project needs.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to strategic projects that involve organizational assessment, operational analysis, or performance optimization.
• Apply advanced research, modeling, or evaluation techniques to inform policy, process design, or resource planning.
• Prepare and present findings, reports, and recommendations to support decision‑making by INL leaders and stakeholders.
• Engage in enrichment activities including workshops and networking.
• Other duties, projects, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Introductory knowledge of subject matter related to the assigned internship project.
• Introductory knowledge of systems and processes related to the assigned internship project.
• Ability to work with support to meet various time deadlines and work pressures.
• Ability to produce or compose formal documents, reports, and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with management, fellow employees, and external customers.

Required

• Enrolled full‑time in a graduate program at an accredited college/university.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT).
• Available for a 10‑16 week, up to 40 hours per week, on‑site internship.

Application Requirements

• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Benefits

• Paid holiday time off
• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns

Clearance Note

While INL accepts candidates authorized to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT), some internship projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" or "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Additional Information

INL is a science‑based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,200 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and develop technologies that underpin the nation’s nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL hosts nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL’s mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non‑scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information, visit www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Physical Requirements

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require sitting for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, conduct research and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification include those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Third‑Party Submissions

INL does not accept resumes from third‑party vendors unsolicited.

Questions?

Email: [e-mail]

Other

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1‑B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.