About the role#
This is a paid, full-time, hands-on internship program designed to prepare you for a career in retail leadership. Over the course of the summer, you will gain a realistic preview of the Executive Team Leader role. You will work closely with mentors and store managers to understand how our business functions while leading teams and driving operational goals.
What you'll do#
- Lead and motivate team members to achieve daily goals and store priorities.
- Partner with store leadership to teach, coach, and provide performance feedback.
- Engage directly with guests to solve their needs and ensure a welcoming shopping environment.
- Review business reporting and guest insights to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Manage daily operations, including merchandising products and stocking shelves.
- Lead and present at daily team huddles.
- Foster an inclusive, safe, and secure work culture by identifying and correcting safety hazards.
- Participate in internship training activities and developmental sessions.
What you'll need#
- A strong interest in retail management.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and a team-oriented mindset.
- Ability to work independently, manage your own workload, and prioritize tasks.
- Effective communication skills and a welcoming, helpful attitude.
- Proficiency in learning and adapting to new technology.
- Ability to interpret instructions, reports, and business information.
- Capability to handle physical requirements, including climbing ladders, scanning and moving merchandise, and lifting up to 44 pounds.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Previous retail experience is preferred but not required.
Location & details#
- Term: Summer 2027
- Work Modality: On-site
- Locations: Multiple openings across Rochester, MN; West Des Moines, IA; Fort Dodge, IA; Des Moines, IA; Ankeny, IA; Ames, IA; Urbandale, IA; and Altoona, IA.
- Majors: Business Administration, Operations Management, or related fields.
About Target
Target is a retail company based in Minneapolis. It operates as a public organization and has been in business since 1962. The company employs over 180,000 people across various locations. It maintains a presence in the United States and India.
How to get in at Target
Applying early is a distinct advantage at a large retailer like Target, as recruiters often review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in before the pile grows. You can use this lead time to ensure your application is polished and ready. Reaching out to the right person often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach materially improves your response rates compared to standard cold applications.



