Summer Intern – Global Trade & Business Operations

Internship Period: May 18 – July 29, 2026
Location: Remote

Position Overview

The Summer Intern will support Vigilant Global Trade Services across a range of initiatives spanning global trade compliance, business operations, and strategic growth. This role is designed to provide hands‑on exposure to real client work, internal processes, and key business initiatives within a fast‑growing, tech‑enabled managed services firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with global trade compliance activities, including research related to import/export regulations, tariff classification, and restricted party screening

• Support data analysis efforts tied to client deliverables and internal projects

• Contribute to development of new service offerings, including pre‑entry audit and partner‑driven solutions

• Conduct market and competitive research to support business development initiatives

• Assist in documenting and improving internal workflows and standard operating procedures

• Participate in internal meetings and strategy sessions, with exposure to leadership discussions

• Support content development for marketing and thought leadership initiatives (e.g., TradeBuzz)

• Complete and present a defined summer project with visibility to senior leadership

Learning Objectives

• Develop a foundational understanding of global trade compliance and its role within multinational organizations

• Gain exposure to a managed services operating model and client service delivery

• Build analytical, problem‑solving, and professional communication skills

• Understand how service offerings are developed, positioned, and brought to market

• Learn how high‑growth companies structure operations, teams, and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student (Business, Economics, Supply Chain, International Business, or related field preferred)

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• High attention to detail and organizational ability

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Self‑motivated with a proactive approach to learning and problem‑solving

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and accountability in all assigned work

• Actively engages in learning opportunities and seeks feedback

• Produces high‑quality, accurate work with attention to detail

• Contributes positively to team culture and collaboration

• Takes ownership of assigned projects and follows through to completion

Summer Project – Strategic Initiative

As part of the internship, the intern will own and deliver a defined summer project aligned with Vigilant’s growth strategy. This project is intended to produce work that can be implemented or directly influence decision‑making at Vigilant.

Project Objective

Develop a clear, structured point of view on where Vigilant should focus and how the company can operate more efficiently, supported by practical analysis and actionable recommendations.

Focus Areas

1. Market Analysis – Target Industries & Ideal Customer Profiles

• Identify and prioritize 2–3 target industries where Vigilant has the strongest opportunity to win

• Define characteristics of ideal customers (size, complexity, trade exposure, decision‑makers)

• Analyze market dynamics, competitive positioning, and potential entry points

• Provide a clear recommendation on where to focus and why

2. Process Mapping – Core Service Line Efficiency

• Select a core Vigilant service line (to be determined during onboarding)

• Document the current‑state workflow from intake through delivery

• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for standardization or automation

• Propose a streamlined future‑state process with practical improvements

Key Deliverables

• Structured analysis with supporting data and insights

• Clear, practical recommendations

• Process maps (current state and future state) where applicable

• Concise, executive‑level presentation summarizing findings

Success Criteria

• Clear, logical thinking and strong attention to detail

• Recommendations that are actionable and grounded in reality

• Ability to simplify complexity and communicate it clearly

• Ownership of the work from start to finish

Presentation

At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will present findings and recommendations to Vigilant leadership.

Reporting Structure

The intern will report directly to designated team members and will have exposure to senior leadership, including involvement in select strategic initiatives.