Job Description

Branch Intern at Border States

Location: Pewaukee, WI

Application Deadline: This opportunity remains open until a successful candidate is identified. We encourage early applications as the position may be filled before or after the listed timeframe.

About Border States

Join Border States, a leading force in the electrical supply distribution industry and one of the largest independent distributors in the United States. With approximately 130 locations spanning 31 states, we are 100% employee-owned, fostering a culture where every individual is empowered to make decisions, innovate solutions, and share in the rewards of our collective success. We proudly serve the construction, industrial, and utility sectors, driven by a commitment to exceptional customer service and unparalleled people skills. Our success is built on the dedication of our employee-owners, who practice open-book management and possess the commitment, resourcefulness, and flexibility to outperform expectations.

Your Opportunity as a Branch Intern

Embark on a dynamic and enriching internship with Border States in Pewaukee, WI, designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of electrical distribution. This program offers challenging, real-world projects tailored to provide invaluable experience relevant to your career path. As a Branch Intern, you will gain a profound understanding of our local operations and the broader business landscape, directly contributing to our mission, culture, and service philosophy. You’ll see the tangible impact of your work as you help achieve the strategic goals set by our Board, Senior Leadership Team, and Executive Council.

What You’ll Do: Key Responsibilities

• Engage in day-to-day departmental projects, contributing to vital activities such as process improvement, project management, data analysis and support, reporting, and documentation.
• Actively assist in warehouse operations, including efficient receiving, shipping, and stock put-away.
• Collaborate across various departments throughout the company and region, including warehouse, quotations, branch operations, purchasing, inventory, and finance.
• Build valuable professional relationships through meetings, events, and one-on-one interactions with seasoned employee-owners and leaders.
• Shadow Customer Service Representatives and Branch Operations teams to acquire deep insight into every facet of branch functionality.
• Accompany Delivery Drivers, assisting with product deliveries to and from customer accounts and engaging directly with our valued customers on job sites.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and entering your final year of study at the time of application (targeting Fall 2026/Spring 2027 graduation dates).
• A strong foundational knowledge of business office procedures, office equipment operation, data entry/keyboarding skills, and effective communication systems is highly beneficial.
• Proficiency in PC for Windows and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint) is strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional Communication: Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, coupled with strong reading comprehension.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Possess outstanding customer service skills, characterized by being competent, accurate, responsive, and genuinely engaged.
• Organizational Prowess: Proven ability to effectively plan, organize, and manage tasks efficiently.

Compensation & Benefits

This enriching internship offers a competitive hourly wage of $16.00-$20.00/hour, based on your experience. Beyond compensation, Border States provides a comprehensive benefits package, reflective of our commitment to our employee-owners. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making you a true owner of our success
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life and Disability Benefits
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteer Time
• Personal Leave Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Performance-based bonuses upon achieving branch and company goals

Our Dynamic Culture: Why Border States?

At Border States, our culture is defined by empowerment, innovation, and a shared purpose. As a 100% employee-owned company, every team member contributes to our collective success. Our purpose is clear: “We believe unstoppable businesses shouldn’t go it alone. We are owners – of relationships, of outcomes, of every moment these unstoppable businesses need to deliver.” This commitment is echoed in our service philosophy: “We earn customer loyalty and confidence by caring about their needs and adding value to everything we do.” Our employee-owners exemplify our service standards by being competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged in every interaction. We practice open-book management, empowering you with clearly defined authority to be innovative and decisive, ensuring we respond swiftly to customer needs. We embrace diversity and are a proud equal opportunity employer, committed to a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role involves a dynamic mix of physical activity typical of a bustling branch environment. You can expect to be frequently standing, walking, balancing, and grasping objects. Continuous verbal communication, hearing, and desk work, including computer and telephone usage, are essential. Occasional tasks may include bending, crouching, kneeling, climbing stairs, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs. You will frequently experience exposure to varying weather and temperature conditions, especially when assisting with warehouse operations and deliveries.

Application Process

Ready to kickstart your career with a company that values its people and their contributions? Join our experienced team at Border States! Employment may be contingent on successfully passing a criminal background check (required for all positions). Depending on the role’s specific needs, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and drug testing may also be required and will be communicated during the onboarding process.