Sales Intern (Paid) - Summer 2027

Kinter • Waukegan, IL

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Kinter is a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of retail display hardware. The Sales Intern supports the Sales team with lead generation, outreach, client communication, and business development activities, building foundational skills in sales, communication, customer engagement, and professional relationship management. This is a paid, full-time, temporary internship scheduled from May 17 to August 13, 2027, with a fixed rate of $20 per hour. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, including a one-hour unpaid lunch. No time off is permitted during the short, structured program. Based on performance and organizational needs, the internship may lead to a permanent full-time role.

The position is based indoors in a temperature-controlled environment at Kinter’s location near Waukegan, Illinois. Travel is not required. Housing and relocation assistance are not provided, and interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and any relocation. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable time management and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High school diploma required.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited four-year college and have junior standing or higher at the start of the internship; recent graduates up to the Class of 2027 may also apply.

Nice To Haves

• Prior sales or customer service experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with outreach to prospective clients and partners through phone, email, and other communication channels, making 40 or more calls per day.
• Research leads, industries, and potential business opportunities to support the sales team.
• Shadow sales team members to learn the sales process, client management strategies, and book-of-business structure.
• Help schedule and prepare for sales meetings, organize materials, and update HubSpot.
• Maintain accurate customer and prospect information by regularly updating HubSpot records.
• Participate in client follow-ups, courtesy outreach, and account touchpoints as directed by sales leadership.
• Complete a Capstone Presentation at the end of the internship summarizing projects, results, and recommendations.
• Undertake additional duties assigned by management and support operational needs with flexibility.
• Participate in special projects as directed, demonstrating initiative and commitment to team goals.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, fully covered by Kinter for the employee with no payroll deductions.
• Fully employer-funded pension plan; contributions start after one year and the plan is fully vested after five years, with no paycheck deductions.
• Potential to transition to a permanent full-time role based on performance and organizational needs.
• Long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED