The Home Depot Merchandising Services Remote Externship

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Overview

In this externship program, students will learn strategic consulting skills to analyze and evaluate challenges from non-profit organizations using consulting frameworks, in an overall effort to help them solve their important problems. Selected individuals will be paired with a specific non-profit organization and dive into their strategic problems, such as development, impact assessment, process improvements, talent engagement, communication, and strategic positioning. Throughout this externship program, professionals from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) will provide mentorship and coaching.

The Experience

Learn about the strategy consulting process and how to help create value for a non-profit client based on their vision and mission
Research and develop an understanding of a given field
Analyze complex problems ranging from fundraising and development, stakeholder management, impact measurement, as well as use consulting frameworks to help identify problem areas and propose solutions
Learn to gather, analyze, and visualize data to inform problem areas and possible solutions
Create and deliver a compelling presentation to a non-profit client that incorporates valuable insights, trends, and recommendations

Qualifications

Ambitious undergraduate students with an interest in consulting, strategy, and non-profits. This program is for students who would like to understand the consulting profession while generating ideas to help impact non-profit organizations.

Program Overview

Are you ready to craft innovative in-store merchandising strategies?

This externship offers a unique opportunity to analyze and enhance The Home Depot’s in-store approach, focusing on customer engagement from entry to exit. As an extern, you will explore critical aspects of merchandising, including store layout, product placement, signage, and sensory elements, all of which shape the shopping experience.

Throughout the program, you will:

Identify in-store merchandising practices from leading competitors, examining how they engage customers at key touchpoints.
Analyze how layout and design strategies encourage browsing, impulse buying, and ease of shopping, and uncover insights that Home Depot can adopt.
Develop actionable recommendations to optimize customer flow, product visibility, and engagement, with a focus on maximizing high-traffic zones.
Evaluate on-shelf availability to address common challenges like empty bays, shrinkage, and product accessibility, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

Your findings will culminate in strategic recommendations that Home Depot can implement to drive customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales. This hands-on externship will provide you with invaluable insights into the dynamics of merchandising and strategic planning in a retail environment.

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During this externship, you'll cultivate a broad range of skill sets, including:

In-Store Merchandising Analysis: Study and analyze customer journeys & merchandising practices from entry to exit points.‍
Competitive Benchmarking: Assess merchandising strategies from leading retailers to identify best practices.‍
Strategic Development: Design actionable strategies to improve Home Depot’s in-store experience and engagement.‍
Insightful Reporting: Present findings and strategic recommendations professionally and compellingly.
Presentation Skills: Gain experience in public speaking and effective presentation of complex analyses and strategies.

What You Will Gain

Hands-On Experience and a Comprehensive Skill Set: From conducting in-depth analyses to developing strategic recommendations, you'll acquire a highly valued skill set.
A Competitive Edge: The insights and experiences you gain from this externship will provide you with a competitive edge in your job search, helping you stand out to recruiters in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy, market research, and data analysis.
Professional Network: You will connect with industry experts and peers to broaden your professional circle.

‍‍Why This Is Perfect for You

Ideal for those interested in careers in in-store merchandising, customer experience, market research, or strategic planning.
No specific background required—bring your critical thinking, strategic analysis skills, and eagerness to learn.

Overview

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Externship Currently Closed
New applications are not currently being accepted.

Apply by January 20, 2025

Part-time and fully remote

This Externship is a 10-hour-per-week fully remote experience where all meetings and events are recorded.

January 27, 2025

This remote Externship will last 8 weeks.

$1000 Stipend

Students who successfully complete their externships will receive their educational stipends at the end of the program.

Required Academic Standing

Students must be an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or rising senior attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Eligibility

Students must be attending an HBCU in the United States.

About

The Home Depot

Founded in 1978 with approximately 500,000 associates, The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer. In 2,300 stores across North America, we aspire to excel in service – to our customers, associates, communities and shareholders. That’s what leadership means to us. That's The Home Depot difference. Our culture and success are built on an unwavering loyalty to eight guiding principles: creating shareholder value, entrepreneurial spirit, taking care of our people, respect for all people, doing the right thing, building strong relationships, giving back and excellent customer service. We live by a simple premise by our founders: Put customer and associates first and the rest will take care of itself.