Paid Internship - Business Development Intern (Summer '25)

As a Business Development Intern at Interco, you'll engage in B2B prospecting, which involves making phone calls, scheduling video conferences, and analyzing market information. This role will require you to interact with Fortune 500 companies, take precise notes, and provide valuable feedback, all aimed at generating leads and potentially closing deals. You'll also be evaluated on your ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively within a team to achieve success.

To qualify as a Business Development Intern at Interco, you should be pursuing or have recently completed a degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a similar field. It's important to possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, a strong attention to detail, a competitive spirit, and a problem-solving mindset. Previous experience in sales is beneficial, but a willingness to learn and contribute effectively to the team is what will truly set you apart.

The Business Development Intern position at Interco is designed as a pathway to potentially becoming a full-time Business Development Representative. By excelling in your responsibilities, showcasing your work ethic, and successfully producing quality leads, you can demonstrate your value to the team, increasing your chances of transitioning into a permanent role within the company.

The Business Development Internship at Interco offers a competitive compensation of $20.00 per hour. This paid position not only provides you with compensation but also invaluable training and experience in the field of sales and procurement, enhancing your career prospects.

This internship is based at our St. Louis location and is not remote. Candidates must reside locally, and the role emphasizes teamwork and collaboration within the office environment. You'll be engaging directly with your colleagues and mentors, gaining firsthand experience in the industry.

When answering this question, highlight any previous experience you've had with prospecting, whether through internships, school projects, or part-time jobs. Discuss specific techniques you used, such as cold calling, email outreach, or networking at events, and emphasize what you learned about building relationships with potential clients.

In your response, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of objection handling in sales. Discuss the techniques you would use, such as actively listening, empathizing with the prospect's concerns, and providing solutions or additional information that addresses their objections effectively.

Highlight your academic background and skills that align with the role's requirements. Discuss your competitive nature, strong communication skills, and ability to work in a team. Express your eagerness to learn and contribute to Interco’s success and how your passion for metals trading and recycling aligns with the company's mission.

In your answer, emphasize your ability to stay organized and manage time effectively. Discuss tools or methods you use for tracking leads and how you would assess and prioritize tasks based on their potential value and deadlines to optimize your productivity.

Share a specific example from your academic or previous work experience where your attention to detail made a significant impact on the outcome of a project or task. Highlighting a positive result will reinforce the importance of detail-oriented work in a business development context.

Discuss your approach to market research, including using online resources, databases, and industry reports. Emphasize the importance of understanding the client's business model, needs, and challenges, which will help you craft compelling pitches and establish rapport.

Talk about your long-term goals and how this internship fits into your career aspirations. Highlight your commitment to learning from mentors at Interco, building your professional network, and continuously developing your skills in business development and sales.

Mention any experience you have with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, email marketing tools, or sales automation software. If you don’t have direct experience, discuss your willingness to learn new technologies and how you are quick to adapt to new tools in your workflow.

Emphasize your strong communication skills and discuss the various methods you would use to keep team members updated, such as regular meetings, status reports, or collaborative project management tools that ensure transparency and foster teamwork.

In your answer, discuss your intrinsic motivation to build relationships, close deals, and contribute to the success of a company. You can also mention the thrill of challenges in sales and how achieving targets fuels your competitive spirit.