Strategic Operations Intern

As a Strategic Operations Intern at CLEAR, your main responsibilities will include assisting with capacity planning and operational improvements, conducting time studies, and developing processes based on member feedback. You will use data analytics to identify friction points and present actionable recommendations to leadership to enhance the overall member experience.

Applicants for the Strategic Operations Intern position at CLEAR should be currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master’s program and expected to graduate between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026. Prior academic or work experience in analytical problem-solving or process improvement is important, along with strong communication skills, proficiency with statistics and analytics tools, and a passion for operational excellence.

The Strategic Operations Intern role directly contributes to the member experience at CLEAR by utilizing analytical skills to identify and mitigate friction points across the network. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop effective solutions and drive operational improvements, ultimately enhancing the ease and efficiency of the CLEAR Plus lane experience for our members.

As a Strategic Operations Intern at CLEAR, you will gain valuable skills in data analytics, operational efficiency processes, and best practices for conducting time studies. You will also develop your ability to communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical audiences, build relationships across various teams, and sharpen your problem-solving skills in a real-world setting.

The work environment for Strategic Operations Interns at CLEAR is dynamic and supportive, promoting collaboration and innovation among teams. You will experience a hybrid work model, enjoy a flexible schedule, and receive benefits such as meals and snacks in the office, all while being part of a mission-driven organization focused on enhancing member experiences.

When answering this question, highlight specific tools you've used, such as Excel or Google Sheets, and provide examples of how you've applied them in previous roles or academic projects. Discuss any insights you gained from your analyses and how they drove improvements.

In your response, outline the steps you would take to conduct a time study, including identifying processes to analyze, collecting data systematically, and analyzing the results to find efficiencies. Emphasize any prior experience or coursework related to time studies.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Clearly articulate the problem, your specific role in addressing it, the actions you took, and the positive outcome of your efforts to showcase your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your approach to prioritization by mentioning techniques you use, such as creating lists, using project management tools, or setting deadlines. Provide an example where you successfully managed multiple tasks under a tight schedule.

Share your sincere enthusiasm for CLEAR's mission and how the opportunity aligns with your career aspirations. Highlight specific elements of the role or projects that excite you, demonstrating your knowledge of the company and position.

Emphasize the importance of simplification and clarity. Discuss strategies you would use, such as using visuals, relatable examples, or analogies to help the audience understand the key takeaways from your analysis.

Draw on a specific team project to demonstrate your teamwork and collaboration skills. Discuss your contributions, the challenges faced, and how the team overcame them, showcasing your ability to work effectively with others.

Mention specific techniques like Lean, Six Sigma, or the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Describe any experiences you have applying these methodologies in academic or professional settings to illustrate your understanding and application.

Highlight your openness to feedback by discussing your willingness to learn and improve. Provide an example of a time you received constructive criticism and how you used it to better your performance or project outcomes.

Discuss the significance of operational efficiency in enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing costs. Explain how streamlining processes ultimately leads to better member experiences, aligning with CLEAR's mission to create frictionless experiences.