Operations Internship (Summer 2027)

Cardinal Health; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off plan

Access to wages before pay day with my

Job summary

Cardinal Health in Aurora, IL invites undergraduates entering their senior year to join a 10–12 week Summer Internship Program. Start dates May 17 or 24, 2027, with ~40 hours per week. Interns work on real projects, plan with leaders, and present outcomes to executives.

The program includes mentoring, workshops, and exposure to business operations and culture. High potential for full-time opportunities. Participants will collaborate across functions including warehousing, logistics, and vendor

Qualifications

• Demonstrated analytical ability and attention to detail in tasks.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities during team projects.
• Interest in healthcare industry and willingness to learn continuously.

Responsibilities

• Assist site leaders to identify, analyze, and improve processes.
• Document and present solutions to leadership for efficiency gains.
• Develop, measure, and maintain performance and productivity metrics.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams across receiving, packing, shipping, and storage.
• Support daily operations to optimize workflow and throughput.
• Engage in Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Summer Internship Program Overview

Cardinal Health’s Summer Internship Program is a structured 10-12 week experience designed for undergraduate students who will be entering their senior year and are eager to make an impact. As an intern, you’ll work on meaningful, business-critical projects that contribute to real outcomes while gaining exposure to the healthcare industry.

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience through impactful projects
• Exposure to Cardinal Health’s business and culture
• Development of leadership and professional skills
• Networking opportunities with peers and leaders
• A chance to interview for full-time roles upon successful completion

Who we’re looking for:

Undergraduate students graduating between December 2027 and June 2028

Curious, driven, and eager to learn

Interested in a career in the healthcare industry

Program Highlights

Real-world Experience Interns collaborate with Cardinal Health professionals, business partners, customers, and vendors on impactful projects and daily responsibilities. Each intern also serves on a planning committee to enhance leadership skills and concludes the summer by presenting their work to business leaders.

Professional Development Interns participate in a formal mentoring program, connect with employees across the organization, and attend workshops to strengthen business acumen. The program also provides opportunities to explore full-time career paths.

Networking Opportunities Through the Executive Speaker Series and various networking events, interns engage with senior leaders and build relationships with professionals across the company.

Community & Camaraderie Interns participate in social, team-building, and community service events designed to build a strong peer network and enrich the overall internship experience.

Job Description Summary

Location: Aurora, Illinois

Start Date: May 17 or 24, 2027

Hours: Approximately 40 hours a week for a minimum of 10 weeks

Operations Intern Responsibilities

• Partner with site leaders to identify, analyze, and implement new or improved processes
• Document and present solutions to site leadership to make our processes more efficient, consistent and cost effective
• Develop, optimize, measure, and maintain performance and productivity
• Assist and collaborate with leaders in functional teams such as receiving, picking, packing, shipping, staging, transporting, storage, delivery, etc.
• Assist in the management of daily warehouse operations, optimizing workflow and increasing productivity
• Exposure to processing orders including accurately picking, performing quality control checks, sorting, consolidating freight, building, and wrapping pallets, packing, loading, and preparing orders for shipment
• Cross-training in multiple areas of the warehouse and participating in projects as needed
• Analyze existing key performance indicators (KPI)
• Design and document workflows to ensure operational effectiveness
• Identify and develop reporting capabilities and data visualization tools to analyze metrics and ensure operational effectiveness
• Participate in a Kaizen event and other continuous improvement initiatives
• Work directly on the warehouse floor each day to observe, support, and improve operational processes while gaining firsthand experience in warehouse and supply chain operations

Accountabilities in this role

• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail in all tasks
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Maintain a proactive, results-oriented approach to work
• Prioritize tasks efficiently, recognize urgency, and consistently meet deadlines
• Work independently with moderate guidance, showing initiative and ownership
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and evolving business needs

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Management, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, preferred
• Expected graduation between December 2027 and June 2028, preferred
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, Lean Six Sigma or other improvement techniques, preferred
• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment
• Demonstrated leadership, communication and analytical skills
• Participation in extracurricular activities, community organizations and/or professional associations
• Must have unlimited work authorization in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future
• Please note, applicants may redact any age-related information.

Pay rate: $23.00 per hour

Bonus eligible: No

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay

Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day.

Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

To read and review this privacy notice click here

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities. We are a crucial link between the clinical and operational sides of healthcare, delivering end-to-end solutions and data-driving insights that advance healthcare and improve lives every day. With deep partnerships, diverse perspectives and innovative digital solutions, we build connections across the continuum of care. With more than 50 years of experience, we seize the opportunity to address healthcare's most complicated challenges — now, and in the future.

View Cardinal Health on YouTube