Product Development Intern

Learning Resources•Vernon Hills, IL

2d•$20•Hybrid

About The Position

For more than 60 years, hand2mind has inspired learning through play by creating hands‑on, classroom‑tested materials that help children learn by doing. We’re a growing, family-owned company recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and trusted by teachers and families alike. We create a wide range of educational products—classroom tools like Hands-on Standards®, consumer products for NumberBlocks®, and innovative items like our new BubblePlush™ Yoga Balls. If you’re curious, collaborative, and a kid at heart, you’ll feel right at home here. Join us in shaping the future of learning with our award-winning team! We’re looking for a curious, creative, and organized Product Development Intern to support the development of our educational product and toy lines. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how products are brought from early concepts to market launch in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. As a Product Development Intern, you’ll work closely with Product Managers and Communications Editors, and collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, marketing, and editorial. You’ll help with research, testing, and organization that supports the creation of innovative educational products. You’ll also gain exposure to working with manufacturing partners and external licensors. A sense of humor is a plus!

Requirements

Pursuing a degree in product development, business, marketing, communications, or related fields
Interested in Child Development, Education, or related fields
Excellent organization, research, presentation, and communication skills (both written and verbal)
Eager to learn about toy development and/or educational product development
Creative mindset and collaborative attitude
Excellent at solving problems creatively and/or knowing when to seek help
Proficient in Microsoft Office a plus

Responsibilities

Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including editorial, industrial design, creative, and marketing, to support the team's goal to bring innovative educational products to market on time and within budget.
Learn how a product is developed from start to finish by participating in brainstorming, conducting market research, and supporting the full product development cycle.
Learn about copywriting, product launches, messaging, and audience targeting
Learn about content creation for new products
Support market research efforts by gathering data, customer feedback, and conducting competitor analysis to identify opportunities, trends, and insights that inform product strategy.
Identify competitors, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and assess market trends.
Organize and participate in product testing for new concepts.
Participate in data maintenance and organization projects utilizing project management software including Microsoft Office and Monday.com.
Manage and execute sample requests for customer meetings, photoshoots, video shoots, trade shows, etc.
Attend product and marketing photo and video shoots to help ensure accurate product portrayal and alignment with product messaging.