Supplier Diversity Internship

Improving America’s infrastructure isn’t for the weak. It takes grit, determination, and hard work to execute high impact projects. Michels Corporation engages 8,000 people and 18,000 pieces of heavy equipment in our insatiable drive to be the best. Our work improves lives. Find out how an Internship with Michels can impact yours.

Position Summary

The Supplier Diversity Intern will gain hands-on experience supporting Michels Corporation’s Supplier Diversity program that promotes inclusion of small, local, and diverse businesses within our construction projects across the nation. This internship provides exposure to supplier diversity strategy, compliance, outreach, reporting, systems management, and customer contract requirements. The intern will collaborate with multiple departments and support initiatives that contribute to business growth, customer satisfaction, and economic opportunity in local communities.

Key Learning Objectives

Throughout the internship, the individual will develop an understanding of:

• The purpose, value, and business impact of Supplier Diversity programs.
• Diverse business certifications and eligibility requirements.
• Customer diversity goals and compliance obligations.
• Supplier Diversity reporting and data management processes.
• Business development and procurement practices related to supplier inclusion.
• Outreach strategies used to engage diverse suppliers and industry organizations.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supplier Diversity Program Education

• Learn the fundamentals of Supplier Diversity, including program goals, key metrics, industry trends, and organizational objectives.
• Develop an understanding of how Supplier Diversity supports business growth, customer requirements, and community engagement.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and project discussions.

Data Reporting and Analysis

• Assist with preparing, validating, and maintaining Supplier Diversity reports.
• Support collection, organization, and analysis of supplier data.
• Help identify trends and opportunities through reporting tools and databases.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly reporting activities

Diverse Supplier Certification Audits

• Assist in reviewing and validating supplier certification records.
• Support audits of diverse business certifications to ensure data accuracy.
• Maintain organized records and documentation related to supplier certifications.
• Research certification agencies and eligibility requirements.

Systems and Database Support

• Gain familiarity with Supplier Diversity systems, databases, and reporting platforms.
• Assist with data entry, maintenance, and report generation.
• Participate in training on supplier management and reporting tools.
• Support continuous improvement of supplier information quality and accuracy.

Bid Review and Compliance Support

• Review project opportunities to identify Supplier Diversity requirements and goals.
• Assist in researching diverse suppliers that align with project scopes.
• Support preparation of bid-related Supplier Diversity documentation.
• Learn how Supplier Diversity requirements are incorporated into project pursuits and proposals.

Outreach and Event Coordination

• Maintain lists of industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Research organizations and supplier diversity events nationwide.
• Assist with outreach efforts to diverse suppliers and external partner organizations.
• Draft correspondence, event communications, and informational materials.

Project and Contract Support

• Assist with monitoring Supplier Diversity documentation.
• Support compliance tracking and reporting activities.
• Learn how Supplier Diversity requirements are managed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute to special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned.

Business Acumen Development

• Develop an understanding of how Supplier Diversity supports estimating, procurement, project management, and operations.
• Observe the role Supplier Diversity plays in contract compliance, customer relationships, and competitive positioning.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Marketing, Communications, Data Analytics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in supplier diversity, economic development, procurement, compliance, or business operations.

Desired Skills

• Attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Research and problem-solving skills.
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and willingness to learn in a collaborative environment.

Expected Internship Outcomes

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern will have:

• Developed a foundational understanding of Supplier Diversity programs and compliance requirements.
• Gained experience with reporting tools, supplier databases, and certification validation.
• Supported outreach and business development initiatives.
• Contributed to project-level Supplier Diversity compliance and reporting efforts.
• Built professional skills in data analysis, communication, stakeholder engagement, and project support.