AI & Automation Intern

Job Description

Here is the detailed and enriched job description:

Job Title: AI & Automation Intern

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Company: The Cary Company

Location: Onsite – Addison, IL

Compensation: $18–$20/hr

Employment Type: Full-time Internship

Duration: 10–12 weeks

About the Role:

The Cary Company is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on intern to join their team in Addison, IL. This internship offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to building practical AI and automation tools designed to enhance efficiency and save time across the company. You will work onsite at the Addison headquarters, engaging in real projects from day one, with clear direction and structured projects to ensure productivity and tangible deliverables each week.

Key Responsibilities & Projects:

• Automation (Zapier / Power Automate / Make):
  • Build and improve workflows to eliminate manual steps.
  • Create simple, reusable connectors, triggers, and templates.
• AI Assistants (GPT-based tools):
  • Develop lightweight internal “assistants” for tasks such as drafting, summarizing, and information lookups.
  • Package each tool with essential basic documentation and a quick-start guide.
• Knowledge Search (RAG-lite):
  • Assist in indexing a small set of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
  • Support a pilot program within one department, collecting usage data and time-saved metrics.

Who You’ll Work With:

You will collaborate closely with a dedicated team, receiving guidance and support from:

• Technical Lead
• People/Program Lead
• Project Coordinator
• Metrics/Dashboards Analyst

This role is structured to be productive without requiring extensive management oversight, ensuring you receive clear direction and support to ship projects effectively.

What We’re Looking For:

• Academic Background: Rising junior or senior pursuing a degree in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS), Industrial Engineering (IE), Data Science, or a related field.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proven experience with automation platforms such as Zapier, Power Automate, or Make.
  • Basic proficiency in Python, including experience with API calls, JSON manipulation, and simple scripting.
  • Familiarity with OpenAI or Azure OpenAI services.
• Work Ethic & Soft Skills:
  • Strong documentation habits, ensuring clarity and usability for all developed tools.
  • A significant bias for action, taking initiative and driving projects forward.
• Logistical Requirements:
  • Must be able to work onsite in Addison, IL for the entire duration of the internship.
  • US work authorization is required.

Key Deliverables for the Internship:

By the end of the internship, you are expected to deliver:

• 3–5 live automations or AI tools actively in use within the company.
• Clean and comprehensive documentation and SOPs for every tool and workflow you build.
• Before/after metrics clearly demonstrating the time saved as a direct result of your implemented solutions.
• An end-of-summer demo to leadership, showcasing your contributions and project outcomes.

A Little About The Cary Company:

The Cary Company boasts a rich history, established in 1895. They have experienced significant growth, expanding from 30 employees in 2005 to over 240 today. Headquartered in Addison, IL, they also have locations in Indianapolis, IN (2018), Pittsburgh, PA (2019), Salt Lake City, UT (2021), Jurupa Valley, CA (2021), Livermore, CA (2021), and Charlotte, NC (2023).

They specialize in the distribution of rigid packaging products and industrial filtration solutions. The Addison headquarters features a beautiful newly renovated corporate office and warehouse. As a privately owned company, they embrace a strengths-based approach, focusing on leveraging employees’ natural talents and preferences.

Intern Experience & Company Culture:

The Cary Company is committed to fostering autonomy, connectedness, and confidence in its roles. Interns will receive regular check-ins from both HR and their department leader. Employees have opportunities to engage with various committees, such as the Culture Committee and Cary Cares, contributing to a vibrant workplace. The company also hosts “Fun Friday’s” and other engaging company events (check out their Facebook page for highlights).

Successful individuals in their culture typically exhibit the following characteristics:

• Positive/optimistic attitude
• Open-mindedness, coupled with a drive to continuously improve existing systems.
• Curious/Inquisitive nature
• Customer-Focused, prioritizing ease of doing business for their customers.
• Supportive of Co-workers