Tracks across Technology • Supply Chain • Merchandising • Finance • HR • Marketing — with mentorship, training and end-of-summer showcases
United States • Undergraduate & Graduate • ~10–12 weeks (varies by team/location)
This guide gives you a complete, action-first playbook to win a spot in the Home Depot Summer Internship 2026. You’ll see what teams recruit, a realistic timeline, how to build an ATS-proof resume, where to focus interview prep, and how to maximize your conversion to a return offer. Use the section-by-section checklists as you apply.
Quick snapshot
What great roles look like
- Defined project with a real business owner and measurable outcome.
- Mentorship & rotations (stand-ups, brownbags, product reviews, site tours).
- Conversion path into return internship or grad role.
Your application should show
- Results-first resume with links (repo, deck, demo) to shipped work.
- STAR stories for collaboration, ownership, learning fast, resilience and ethics.
- Evidence of initiative: class projects, hackathons, campus leadership, research posters.
Apply early: many teams recruit on a rolling basis and close before the posted deadline.
Tracks & role types (examples)
Technology
Software Data ML Security Product
Ship features, build internal tools, write tests, analyze performance, design UX, run experiments.
Supply Chain
Network Logistics Inventory Ops Analytics
Model inventory flows, monitor KPIs, support DC projects, optimize routing, build dashboards.
Merchandising
Assortment Pricing Vendor Category
Analyze category performance, vendor terms, pricing tests; collaborate on planograms and promotions.
Finance
FP&A Corporate Capital Store P&L
Forecasts, model scenarios, variance analysis, business cases; executive-ready slides.
HR / People
Talent L&D Analytics ER
Support recruiting, onboarding, surveys, workforce analytics, engagement programs.
Marketing
Performance Brand CRM Content
Campaign analysis, creative briefs, A/B tests, channel dashboards, SEM/SEO coordination.
Pay & expectations (typical ranges)
| Track | Duration | Typical Pay (hourly) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | 10–12 weeks | $26–$45+ | Mentors, code reviews, stand-ups, scoped feature/tooling project, intern showcase. |
| Supply Chain | 10–12 weeks | $22–$38+ | DC/Network exposure, SQL/Excel models, KPI dashboards, ops experiments. |
| Merchandising | 10–12 weeks | $21–$35+ | Category analytics, price/promotions tests, vendor research, store walks. |
| Finance | 10–12 weeks | $24–$40+ | Forecasting, variance analysis, business cases, exec decks. |
| HR / People | 10–12 weeks | $20–$32+ | Recruiting cycles, training logistics, engagement surveys, analytics. |
| Marketing | 10–12 weeks | $20–$34+ | Performance dashboards, creative briefs, A/B testing, content calendars. |
Ranges are indicative; confirm the official posting for exact compensation, location, housing/relocation and eligibility.
Timeline (2025→2026 cycle)
| Month | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep 2025 | Prep & shortlist | Refresh resume/portfolio; shortlist 25–35 roles; message 5–8 alumni for insights. |
| Sep–Dec 2025 | Applications | Tailor weekly; track status; finish online assessments quickly. |
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Interviews | Behavioral + technical/case rounds; mock interviews; refine STAR stories. |
| Apr 2026 | Offers | Compare scope, mentorship, pay, location and conversion rates; decide. |
| May–Jun 2026 | Onboarding | Background check, equipment, travel/relocation or remote setup. |
| Jun–Aug 2026 | Internship | Weekly goals, mid-point review, final demo, written handover; request feedback. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Pick two tracks (e.g., Tech + Supply Chain). Depth beats scattergun.
- Results-first resume: top 3 bullets must show measurable impact (Action → tool → outcome).
- Portfolio: 3–5 artifacts (repo, dashboard, slide deck, case memo). Include a 60-sec video or GIF demo.
- Lead list: 25–35 roles; prioritize rolling postings. Track stage, contact, and due dates.
- Warm intros: reach out to alumni or team members with a short ask (+ one highlight link).
- Apply weekly (5–8 tailored submissions). Finish assessments within 48–72 hours.
- Interview practice: schedule two 45-min sessions per week (behavioral + technical/case).
- Offer choice: pick scope + mentor + conversion over brand alone.
- Before day 1: define success metrics with your manager and schedule a mid-point review.
Resume & portfolio (templates)
Impact bullet formula
Action → tool → outcome (+metric). Example: Automated supply-chain stockout alerts in Python/SQL, cutting out-of-stocks by 18% across 32 stores.
- Lead with the verb, end with the metric.
- Group bullets by outcome type (revenue, cost, time, quality, safety, customer).
- Attach links to evidence (repo, slide, dashboard, brief).
Portfolio checklist
- One pinned project per target track (e.g., DC KPI dashboard, pricing experiment, UX case study).
- Readable README with context → method → results → demo.
- Clear repo structure; tests/validation where relevant.
ATS & referrals
ATS basics
- Use .pdf, standard fonts and clean layout (no tables/columns).
- Mirror the posting’s keywords truthfully (skills/tools, responsibilities).
- Answer app questions fully; avoid “see resume.”
Referral play
“Hi [Name] — I’m applying for the [Team] [Intern] role. My [project/result] aligns with [team focus]. Could you share any tips on standing out? Happy to send a 60-sec demo.”
Interview prep
Behavioral (all tracks)
- Six STAR stories: ownership, teamwork, conflict, learning fast, resilience, ethics.
- 60–90 sec answers; end with impact and what you’d change next time.
- Record one practice session; check clarity and pace.
Technical / Case
- Tech: DS&A basics, debugging, small-feature design, tests.
- Supply chain: inventory math, KPIs, SQL/Excel modeling, visualization.
- Merch/Marketing: A/B testing, price elasticity basics, funnel metrics, creative brief.
- Finance: variance analysis, simple DCF/comps, business case slides.
- HR: survey design, onboarding, compliance basics, analytics.
Hybrid/remote best practices
- Daily status note (yesterday → today → blockers) with links to WIP.
- Mid-week sync + Friday demo; use screenshots/GIFs to show progress.
- Keep a one-page decision log for assumptions and trade-offs.
International students (visa notes)
Most students intern on F-1 CPT (during study) or F-1 OPT (after study). Some programs use J-1. Confirm with your international office and the employer’s HR. Follow rules on hours, E-Verify (if relevant), and location (remote across state lines).
FAQs
How many roles should I apply to?
Plan for 25–35 targeted submissions over 8–10 weeks, with weekly networking and practice. Quality beats volume.
Are internships paid?
Yes, most corporate tracks are paid; confirm exact compensation and benefits on each posting.
What if I don’t have experience?
Ship a small project: a dashboard, an automation script, a category analysis, a case deck, or a policy brief. Initiative + results win interviews.
• Details change by team/year. Always verify the official posting before applying.