Training and Organizational Development Internship – Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

Compensation Details:

$22.00 per hour

Why should you join our team?

We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don’t often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

Job Description:

Your Responsibilities 
•    Directly support design and facilitation of assigned development programs (Future Leaders and GM Program).
•    Support Org. Development and HRIS in migration from current Learning Management System (LMS) to new LMS platform.
•    Create competency-based toolkits (curated learning content.)
•    Support career pathing process (development plans, internal mobility -feedback) 
•    Support day-to-day logistics of development programs (including scheduling, registration and program communication)
•    Collect feedback and conduct evaluations to suggest improvements and innovation to existing programs. 

The ideal intern will possess the following:
•    Entering Senior year of college (Graduating December ’26 or May ’27)
•    High School Diploma/GED and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business Administration.  
•    Strong Communication skills

• Relationship building 

•    Presentation and facilitation 
•    Organization skills  - attention to detail and managing time. 
•    Knowledge of adult learning principles to be able to design and deliver training programs/workshops
•    Preferred technical knowledge: 
•    Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and CoPilot for AI 
•    Design software (articulate/captivate)
•    Learning management systems
•    Self-directed and able to work autonomously 
•    Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas
•    Knowledge and interest in Ace Hardware Corporation
•    Ability to work 40 hours per week, Monday -Friday for 12 weeks
•    Willingness and ability to give presentations to colleagues, managers and directors

Why Ace? 
Ace Hardware (headquartered in Oak Brook, IL) is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries.  Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks. 

Ace has retained its #5 position in the annual Franchise Times Top 400 List in 2023.  Unmatched customer service is a cornerstone of the Ace Hardware brand. We are a 100-year-old retailer that supports its owners with programs that leverage their local expertise, giving them a distinct advantage over their big box competitors and has resulted in Ace retailers being named by JD Powers #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retailers, 16 out of 18 years.  The Helpful Spirit transcends the enterprise with Ace Hardware Corporation consistently ranking amongst the top workplaces in Chicagoland.

Location Description
Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you’ll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria.  We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team.
 

2026 Summer Internship Program Overview
The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in College today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here’s what you will take away from your experience:
•    Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines.
•    Opportunity to display your skills during your “Final Pitch” presentation 
•    Q & A with Ace’s CEO and Senior Leadership team
•    Resume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunities
•    Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation
•    Teambuilding activities 
•    Hourly competitive compensation
•    12-week full time program

Your internship experience at Ace will give you the knowledge and skills future employers will look for! Want to hear more? Please review our Glassdoor comments from former interns!

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