Job Specifications
The Sales Intern role is designed as a learning-focused, apprentice-style position that prepares you for future growth into a Business Development Manager (BDM) role. During the internship, you will gain a deep understanding of our products, services, customers, and internal operations. You will shadow experienced team members, support prospecting efforts, and learn the fundamentals of the sales process—but you will not be responsible for closing sales or managing a sales pipeline.
This role is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, has a strong interest in sales and customer engagement, and wants to develop into a full-time Business Development professional.
Hourly wage: $22 per hour
Essential Functions:
Learn and understand our full product and service offerings.
Spend time in all areas of the business to gain broad organizational knowledge (technicians, account managers, operations, leadership, etc.).
Shadow Business Development Managers and Account Managers during customer visits, meetings, and calls.
Conduct basic prospecting activities, such as identifying potential leads and gathering relevant market information.
Support Account Managers by making introductory outreach calls and sending emails to warm or cold prospects (no active selling).
Assist in qualifying prospects by identifying potential needs or opportunities and passing information to the sales team.
Participate in marketing and sales initiatives as needed.
Assist with CRM data entry, lead tracking, and documentation of customer interactions.
Stay up to date on new products, services, pricing, and company updates.
Observe and learn the full sales cycle with the goal of developing into a Business Development role.
Required Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in Business, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, or similar
Familiarity with MS Excel and basic data organization.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Curiosity and a strong desire to learn about products, customers, and the sales process.
Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships across multiple departments.
Interest in sales metrics, customer engagement, and business development fundamentals.
Professionalism, initiative, and willingness to ask questions.
Available to work 40 hours/week from May 2026 to August 2026
In office 3x/week at our office in Warrenville or Hanover Park
Previous customer service or sales experience is a plus but not required.
Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) is a plus but not required.
Must be motivated to grow into a Sales or Business Development role following the internship.
Work Environment:
Must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Physical Requirements:
Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and communicate.
About the Company
Founded in 1960, Associated provides a single-source solution covering the manufacture, design, integration, and service of your equipment—everything from forklifts and conveyors to automation and pallet handling systems. Associated has the ability to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and productivity of your operation with the most complete intralogistics capabilities in the industry. Associated is an Authorized Raymond Solutions and Support Center.
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