Process Improvement Intern

About the role#

The Process Improvement Intern will work within the Office of the CEO to support operational efficiency and quality improvement initiatives. This role focuses on applying Lean methodologies to clinical and administrative workflows to enhance patient care and staff productivity. Interns will receive mentorship in Lean tools such as A3, 5S, and Kaizen while building a portfolio of projects that demonstrate tangible impacts on hospital operations.

What you'll do#

• Assist in developing A3 reports to document root cause analysis and proposed countermeasures for operational challenges.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks and waste identification sessions across clinical and administrative departments.
• Perform time-and-motion studies to establish productivity baselines and identify bottlenecks in patient flow or staff workflows.
• Create current-state and future-state maps to visualize complex healthcare processes and support standardization.
• Assist in the design and implementation of visual cues, dashboards, and huddle boards to improve communication and transparency.

What you'll need#

• Currently enrolled in an accredited program for Industrial Engineering, Industrial Operations, or Healthcare Administration.
• Highly self-motivated with a passion for Lean methodologies and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate a multidisciplinary clinical environment with sensitivity and professionalism.

Location & details#

• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Modality: On-site.
• Commitment: 20–40 hours per week for a 12–16 week period.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid internship; a monthly stipend may be offered to support basic needs such as meals, transportation, or lodging.