Internship – IT Operations Automation & AI (Year-Round)

About the Role:

IT has a track record of success with interns across their various teams, all who have the ability to directly contribute to the success of the department. Interns apply knowledge gained in the classroom to develop relevant professional experience while creating meaningful relationships. We look for highly motivated individuals who are proactive, eager to learn and ready to contribute.

The IT Operations Automation & AI intern will work across multiple teams that run and protect Baird’s technology environment. This intern will learn how these areas work together, identify processes that could be more efficient and help design and test appropriately scoped automation and AI-enabled solutions. The intern will be paired with subject matter experts, receive regular coaching and technical reviews and increase the complexity and ownership of work as skills grow. Outcomes may include research and recommendations, working prototypes or production-ready automations, depending on the opportunity and its operational risk.

This is a hybrid internship, working three days per week in our downtown Milwaukee, WI office and two days remote. The intern must be able to work full time during the summer, 37.5-40 hours per week, and work part time during the school semesters, 15-20 hours per week. We are seeking a local student who can start in June 2027.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Learn how various IT Operations and Infrastructure teams support Baird through rotations, job shadowing and scoped project work

• Partner with associates to identify manual, repetitive or high-value work that may benefit from automation

• Build and test small automations using approved tools appropriate to the problem

• Explore uses of approved AI capabilities to organize information, summarize documentation, extract data, support analysis and improve repeatable workflows

• Assist with achievable operational and project tasks while learning the importance of data protection, access controls, testing, change management, auditability and service reliability

• Create clear documentation, test evidence and support handoffs so work can be understood and maintained by the team

• Communicate progress and blockers, incorporate feedback and present findings, demonstrations and lessons learned to IT Operations associates and leaders

• Experience Baird’s collaborative culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives through teamwork and a strong sense of partnership by shadowing and mentorship from experienced team members and leaders

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, management information systems, computer science or related degree

• Anticipated graduation date of May 2028 or later

• Curiosity about infrastructure, automation and practical uses of AI, with a willingness to learn unfamiliar technologies and ask thoughtful questions

• Introductory exposure to scripting, programming or low-code tool through coursework, personal project or independent learning; PowerShell, Python or Node.js experience is a plus

• Possess a natural curiosity in understanding the application of technology to solve business problems

• Organizational excellence, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate strong attention to detail and ensure high-quality and on-time delivery

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect clearly and professionally with clients and associates and communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel

• High level of motivation, proactivity and strategic thinking, with a strong commitment to learning and contributing effectively

• Experimentation with automation, copilots or generative AI is a plus

About Our Intern Program:

Jumpstart your career with Baird’s high-impact summer intern program! You’ll gain real-world experience, connect with inspiring leaders and grow through hands-on projects, mentorship and dynamic events. From our Intern Welcome and Baird Gives Back Day to firmwide networking and professional development, you’ll be part of a vibrant, collaborative culture that values your voice and fuels your future.

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

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Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.