2025 Business Development and Sales Intern

As a Business Development and Sales Intern at Capstone in Washington, DC, your primary responsibilities will include identifying and cultivating new business opportunities through various channels like calls and emails. You will manage prospects throughout the sales cycle, document progress in the CRM system, and contribute to the organization’s marketing strategies. Engaging with key clients and influencers, scheduling presentations, and driving brand awareness will also be vital to your role.

To excel as a Business Development and Sales Intern at Capstone, you should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, persuasive communication abilities, and a knack for creating positive customer experiences. Being results-oriented and possessing excellent research skills are also essential. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, complex environment and be an initiator, always on the lookout for new business opportunities.

To increase your chances of securing a full-time position after your internship at Capstone, it's important to demonstrate a high level of engagement, enthusiasm, and skill development in your role. Building strong relationships with teammates and clients, consistently meeting deadlines, and effectively articulating the Capstone message are all factors that can leave a lasting impression on the management team during your internship.

Capstone prefers candidates for the Business Development and Sales Intern position to have a strong academic background, particularly highlighting achievements in finance and policy-related coursework. An interest in public policy and its implications for investment strategies is also highly encouraged, as it will enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to the team's objectives.

Interns at Capstone can expect to work in an intellectually stimulating and dynamic environment. The firm values innovative thinking and adaptability, while also providing a supportive atmosphere where interns can learn and grow. You're encouraged to take initiatives and develop your business-driving skills while collaborating with experienced professionals.

When answering this question, highlight any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that required you to engage with potential clients or develop business strategies. Use specific examples and emphasize results that demonstrate your ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities.

Focus on discussing your strategies for networking and relationship-building, such as actively listening to understand prospects' needs, following up consistently, and leveraging social media or professional networks. Explain any specific techniques or tools you might use to develop trust and rapport.

Key factors include understanding the client's needs, demonstrating value through effective communication, following up consistently, and being prepared to address any concerns. Discuss how you would tailor your approach based on the specific characteristics of each prospect to create a compelling case for them to become a client.

Describe your time management strategies, such as using to-do lists, prioritizing based on deadlines and importance, and regularly reviewing your progress to adjust as needed. Giving an example of a past experience where you effectively managed multiple tasks can also strengthen your answer.

Share a specific situation where you encountered a challenge while working with a team. Talk about how you communicated the issue, collaborated with your team to find solutions, and the result that followed. Highlighting teamwork and problem-solving skills is key here.

This is your chance to show your knowledge of Capstone's work and its influence on investments. Discuss your admiration for their approach to policy analysis and how this aligns with your interests in finance and public policy. Share your enthusiasm for learning and growing within such a reputable firm.

Mention relevant resources you use for staying informed, such as industry news websites, journals, or policy blogs. Highlight your proactive approach to learning and adapting to changes, which will be crucial in a role focused on business development in a policy-driven context.

Provide a concrete example, detailing the context, your approach in terms of persuasion strategies, and the eventual outcome. Emphasize the importance of listening to others and adapting your message to the audience's needs and concerns.

Outline specific strategies you may consider, such as leveraging social media platforms, email campaigns, or events to enhance brand awareness and client engagement. Provide examples of past experiences where you have successfully implemented marketing strategies.

Discuss your communication, persuasion, and interpersonal skills, as well as any relevant research or analytical abilities. Provide examples of how you have applied these skills in academic or professional settings to illustrate your qualifications for the internship.