AI & Business Analytics Intern

Southern Mississippi Trading (SMT) is a relationship-driven trading company operating in the forest products industry. Our team combines market knowledge, strong partnerships, and an entrepreneurial approach to identify opportunities and solve problems for our customers and suppliers.

About the Internship

SMT is looking for an AI & Business Analytics Intern who is excited to explore how emerging technology can make a real impact on the way we work.

This internship will provide hands-on experience identifying and developing practical applications for artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics within a fast-paced trading environment. You’ll work alongside different areas of the business to understand current processes, uncover opportunities for improvement, and help turn ideas into useful AI-driven solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Explore opportunities to use AI and automation to improve everyday business processes and workflows
• Analyze business and operational data to identify trends, efficiencies, and actionable insights
• Evaluate new AI technologies and help determine where they could add value across SMT.
• Partner with team members across trading, operations, and other functions to understand challenges and identify potential solutions
• Help create documentation, training materials, and best practices to support adoption of new AI tools.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project outcomes to both technical and non-technical audiences

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience applying AI and emerging technology within a real business environment
• Exposure to the forest products and commodity trading industry
• A better understanding of how businesses evaluate and implement new technology
• Experience taking a business problem from initial idea through research, testing, and implementation.
• Opportunities to work directly with employees and leaders across SMT.

What We’re Looking For

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Business, or a related field.
• Strong interest in artificial intelligence, automation, data, and emerging technology.
• Familiarity with AI tools, data analytics, or basic programming concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with curiosity about how things can be done better.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts in a clear, practical way.
• Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership of projects and exploring new ideas.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from different areas of the business.

Why SMT?

At SMT, interns have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work rather than simply observe it. You’ll gain exposure to a unique, entrepreneurial industry while helping our team explore how AI and technology can support smarter, more efficient ways of doing business.