Industrial Sales Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. invites students to join as an Industrial Sales Intern, gaining hands-on experience in automation, technical sales, and customer engagement.

You will support the Industrial Sales Department with mentorship from Automation Specialists, Inside Sales, and the Sales Support Team to develop customer solutions. Interns will explore multiple branches, participate in events, and build technical knowledge while supporting the team on customer projects and company initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Currently a college sophomore or junior.
• Pursuing a technical degree (Engineering, Automation, Robotics, CS, or IT).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Electrical Distribution Orientation to learn department roles and partner/supplier relationships.
• Engage in job shadowing across departments with a focus on Automation-related functions.
• Support Automation Support and Design Engineering teams to understand technical solutions.
• Accompany Account Managers and Specialists on customer site visits to gain engagement experience.
• Develop technical knowledge in an assigned area of focus chosen at internship start.
• Attend commercial events and assist with technical sessions, labs, demos, and trade shows as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer solutions and business initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, customer service, and company values.
• Understand and implement effective sales methods to support sales objectives.

Skills

Strong written communication

Strong verbal communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

College sophomore or junior

Pursuing technical degree (Engineering, Automation, Robotics, CS, IT)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Role Summary

If you're looking to gain hands-on experience in industrial automation, technical sales, and customer engagement, this internship is for you. As an Industrial Sales Intern, you will support products and company initiatives related to the Industrial Sales Department while working alongside Automation Specialists, Inside Sales, and the Sales Support Team. Throughout the internship, you will help develop and deliver customer solutions, build technical expertise, and gain exposure to a variety of roles across the organization.

This internship provides valuable exposure to industrial automation technologies, customer-focused sales strategies, technical support functions, and professional development opportunities. Interns work closely with an assigned mentor, participate in community impact initiatives, visit multiple branch locations, and gain practical experience supporting customers and internal teams.

Company Overview

At Van Meter, our purpose is to Create Lasting Value for Those We Serve while fostering a high-performing, employee-owned organization. The company's culture is built around being "All-In," meaning employee-owners are encouraged to be the best in their roles, live the company's values, and actively support and protect a strong, people-centered culture. Employees are empowered through open communication, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional employee and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in an Electrical Distribution Orientation to learn the roles of various departments and understand relationships with key partners and suppliers.
• Engage in job shadowing opportunities across departments, with a primary focus on Automation-related functions.
• Support and learn from Automation Support and Design Engineering teams to understand technical solutions and customer applications.
• Accompany Account Managers and Specialists on customer site visits to gain experience in customer engagement and problem-solving.
• Develop technical knowledge and expertise in an assigned area of focus determined at the beginning of the internship.
• Attend commercial events and assist with technical sessions, labs, demonstrations, and trade shows as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer solutions and business initiatives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, customer service, and company values.
• Understand and implement effective sales methods and strategies to support achievement of sales objectives

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Currently a college sophomore or junior standing
• Currently pursuing a degree in a technical field, including but not limited to Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Computer Science, or Information Technology.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize work, manage priorities, and accept feedback
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computer equipment and other office technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and team members in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to travel to customer locations, company branches, and events as needed.
• Frequent interaction and collaboration with customers and internal teams.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a collaborative office and customer-facing environment.
• Mix of desk-based work, customer site visits, branch visits, training activities, and event participation.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels typical of professional office, industrial, and customer environments.
• Ability to travel between company locations and customer sites as needed.
• Regular interaction with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Opportunity to participate in community impact initiatives and company-sponsored development activities.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Other duties may be assigned, changed, or removed at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs and consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will employment relationship, where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Van Meter is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants and employee-owners who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits and privileges should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.