MBA Intern, Innovation and Business Optimization

At WM, early career talent is more than the future of our business—they’re a vital part of our present.

WM’s Summer Internship Program is a 12-week paid experience designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world application. Interns are empowered from day one to contribute meaningfully, explore new areas of the business, and grow their professional skillsets in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.

I Job Summary

At WM, early career talent is more than the future of our business—they’re a vital part of our present.

WM’s Summer Internship Program is a 12-week paid experience designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world application. Interns are empowered from day one to contribute meaningfully, explore new areas of the business, and grow their professional skillsets in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.

The Internship Experience

As a WM Intern, you won’t be sitting on the sidelines, you'll be in the mix. You will work alongside experienced professionals on real projects that make an impact for WM. You’ll get real-world experience in key aspects of our business, including a meaningful project you’ll own and present to senior leaders at the end of the summer, while discovering what we’re all about. Outside of your core work, you’ll join skill-building workshops, connect with leaders through executive roundtables, and build community with fellow interns from across the country. When summer wraps- the connection doesn’t stop there. You’ll walk away with meaningful experience for your resume, a strong network, and a clear path to stay connected to future opportunities at WM. Come build your career with us!

About the Innovation & Business Optimization Team

This internship is part of the WM’s Innovation & Business Optimization crew—a team known for its innovative thinking, collaborative spirit, and analytical work. You’ll get to explore WM’s operations and business processes, help identify new initiatives, learn how things work behind the scenes, and help WM drive purpose in everything we do. Whether you're diving into data, pitching ideas, or helping make things run smoother, what you do will matter—and we want to hear what you think.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

• Research, prepare and present written and verbal reports on operational, environmental, and strategic topics
• Assist in the identification, development, evaluation and approval of innovation projects and opportunities
• Build streamlined financial models to evaluate investment opportunities
• Evaluation of business processes, anticipating requirements, uncovering areas for improvements, developing, and implementing optimization strategies
• Provide recommendations and support to operational managers in the field
• Assist with Innovation leadership and development initiatives
• Assist with interdepartmental strategy and planning initiatives; such projects will likely require coordination with other WM groups
• Perform other duties as assigned

III. Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory duties.
 
IV. Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.

A. Education and Experience

Education:
 

• 1st year completed of Master of Business Administration Degree (accredited)
• GPA Requirement: 3.30
• Completed Course Work Hours: 60.0

Experience:
 

• 3-5 years business experience (in addition to education requirement)
• Experience working with analytical models (financial, statistical, simulation, etc.)
• Experience conducting in-dept industry research, including financial conditions and industry trends.

B. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Other Requirements
 

• None required.

C. Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities 
 

• Ability to work well with staff at all levels and across functional teams
• Project management experience, leadership, and ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Ability to work independent of direct supervision
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Available to travel up to 20 percent of time
• Interest in business and environmental sustainability issues, topics, and trends

Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply.”