The program’s goal is to expose students to the grocery retail environment and allow them to gain a better understanding of our business through hands-on, real –world learning experience. Students will complete the structured program designed to expose them to aspects of our business including store operations, managerial functions, production, customer service, and employee relations. In addition, the program provides a pool of potential applicants for future Store Management Trainee positions.
Our summer intern program is unique within our industry, making the selection process for the interns highly competitive. Each year, approximately 200 candidates apply and only 25 selected for both the Jewel and Osco Business Internship program.
To be eligible, a candidate must be enrolled in a 4-year college/university and be at least at a sophomore or junior class standing. Interns will participate in the 10-week, competitively paid program while working full-time, 40 hours each week. The 40 hour work week includes time in the store, group project/presentation time and out-of-store requirements.
In addition, Summer Interns are given an opportunity to participate in several out-of-store activities which include:
• Leadership Class at Itasca SSC
• Effective Presentation Skills Training at Itasca SSC
• Mid-Point Meeting at the Distribution Center (Melrose Park)
• Rehearsal of Final Presentation at Itasca SSC
• Store Ride-Along with a District Manager
• Final Presentation to Senior Leaders at Itasca SSC
In addition to gaining real world retail business experience in our stores, Interns are assigned a business group project to work on throughout the 10 weeks. These projects allow Summer Interns the opportunity to dig into a real business issues and guided by their corporate project sponsors. Each year, projects are selected by Senior Leadership based on key issues the Company is facing today. Project sponsors work hand-in-hand with Summer Interns ensuring that project results that would offer value to the business. Summer Interns present these results to Senior Leadership through the final, formal presentation.