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Innovation Lab

Opening in 2017, Graybar’s Innovation Lab sits at the intersection of industry and academia. It is located in Research Park at the University of Illinois.

Innovation Lab

Opening in 2017, Graybar’s Innovation Lab sits at the intersection of industry and academia. It is located in Research Park at the University of Illinois.

Discover. Design. Deliver.

The Innovation Lab’s (iLab) mission is to collaborate with customers, suppliers, and employees in unique ways to develop industry-leading digital capabilities and strengthen our position in the supply chain. Simultaneously, Graybar aims to help University of Illinois students enhance their skills and education outside of the classroom by understanding and solving real-world problems.

The iLab is staffed with a mix of undergraduate and graduate student interns as well as full-time Graybar staff (averaging 12 interns a semester.) Students bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences which help power innovation and ingenuity, and transform the way Graybar serves its customers.

Capabilities

Market Intelligence
Market Intelligence

Provides an “outside-in” perspective on ideas within the context of our competition, emerging technologies, and consumer/business trends.

Data & Analytics
Data & Analytics

Works closely with our Data Discovery team at Corporate to inform business decisions related to new and/or existing products and services.

Technical Solutions
Technical Solutions

Uses software development and design expertise to create prototypes and visuals that bring an idea/concept to life.

Design Led Thinking
Design Led Thinking

Leverages a human-centered approach to solve problems, by utilizing elements like empathy and experimentation to arrive at solutions.

Market Intelligence
Market Intelligence

Provides an “outside-in” perspective on ideas within the context of our competition, emerging technologies, and consumer/business trends.

Data & Analytics
Data & Analytics

Works closely with our Data Discovery team at Corporate to inform business decisions related to new and/or existing products and services.

Technical Solutions
Technical Solutions

Uses software development and design expertise to create prototypes and visuals that bring an idea/concept to life.

Design Led Thinking
Design Led Thinking

Leverages a human-centered approach to solve problems, by utilizing elements like empathy and experimentation to arrive at solutions.

Internship Openings Are Back

Looking to spend your summer gaining real-world work experience somewhere that can turn into a real career? Look no further. Graybar's summer internship program offers college juniors hands-on experience at one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States, with the opportunity to translate that to full-time employment after graduation. 

Learn More

Meet The Interns

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Joey H.

UI/UX Design Intern

Champaign, IL

“I recently began my full-time career at the Lab following my internship there. Without a doubt, my favorite part about the Innovation Lab is the opportunity to work with forward-thinking and exceptionally talented people every day. I have grown my network, gained new skills, and been presented with many opportunities to accelerate my career!”

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Sonia N.

UI/UX Design Intern

Champaign, IL

“As an intern at the Lab, I have had the opportunity to learn and develop as a practicing designer, with the freedom to mold my career in the best way that I see fit. What makes the Lab so special is that we have cultivated an innovative environment where the sky is the limit when it comes to exploring the possibilities for Graybar!”

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Saurav R.

Advanced Data Analytics Intern

Champaign, IL

“The Lab represents an ideal environment for individuals seeking to transcend their comfort zone and augment their expertise in their area of study. Graybar's idea platform provides the Lab with elaborate problem statements, enabling us to devise and implement innovative solutions by incorporating the latest technologies in the industry.”

PortraitImage

Joey H.

UI/UX Design Intern

Champaign, IL

“I recently began my full-time career at the Lab following my internship there. Without a doubt, my favorite part about the Innovation Lab is the opportunity to work with forward-thinking and exceptionally talented people every day. I have grown my network, gained new skills, and been presented with many opportunities to accelerate my career!”

PortraitImage

Sonia N.

UI/UX Design Intern

Champaign, IL

“As an intern at the Lab, I have had the opportunity to learn and develop as a practicing designer, with the freedom to mold my career in the best way that I see fit. What makes the Lab so special is that we have cultivated an innovative environment where the sky is the limit when it comes to exploring the possibilities for Graybar!”

PortraitImage

Saurav R.

Advanced Data Analytics Intern

Champaign, IL

“The Lab represents an ideal environment for individuals seeking to transcend their comfort zone and augment their expertise in their area of study. Graybar's idea platform provides the Lab with elaborate problem statements, enabling us to devise and implement innovative solutions by incorporating the latest technologies in the industry.”


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