Inside Sales (Rotational) Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. in Cedar Rapids, IA, offers an Inside Sales (Rotational) Intern program that exposes you to the full sales cycle, customer service, and operational functions.

You will support quote and order management, assist with inside sales support, and participate in cross-functional business processes under guidance from a coach and mentor. During the program, you rotate through departments, collaborate with teammates and leaders, complete a capstone project, and gain exposure to the

Qualifications

• High school graduate and current student pursuing a business degree.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt, learn new systems, and work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Support sales and customer service activities, including customer communication, order entry, and account support.
• Assist with operational processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and warehouse coordination.
• Collaborate with team members to identify opportunities for process improvement and enhanced customer experiences.
• Analyze data and assist with reporting, tracking, and project work.
• Partner with employee-owners on projects that support business growth and operational excellence.
• Gain exposure to multiple departments through structured rotations.
• Complete and present a capstone project highlighting key accomplishments and recommendations.

Skills

Inside sales

Customer engagement

Data analysis

Education

High School Diploma

Pursuing Associate/Bachelor in Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Role Summary

If you are looking to see the full cycle of a sale within the world of electrical distribution, this internship is for you. As an Inside Sales (Rotational) Intern, you will gain hands-on, real-world experience supporting customer service, sales, and operational functions, including customer engagement, quote and order management, inside sales support, and cross-functional business processes. Throughout the summer, you will contribute to meaningful work that supports customers and business operations while building skills that translate directly to your future career. Interns partner with leaders and team members across the organization, work alongside a dedicated coach and mentor for guidance and development, and complete a project that creates lasting value for the business. This experience provides insight into how sales and customer-focused solutions drive business success while helping you strengthen your professional, technical, and leadership capabilities.

What sets this internship experience apart is the opportunity to be part of our Rotational Internship Program. In addition to developing expertise in Inside Sales, you will rotate through other departments to gain a broader understanding of the business and customer journey. You'll collaborate with fellow interns, engage directly with executive leadership, participate in Place P volunteer events that give back to the communities we serve, and take part in an interactive onboarding and professional development program designed to help you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your career interests. Through these experiences, you'll build meaningful connections, expand your network, and gain a well-rounded view of what it means to be part of an employee-owned organization.

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

• Support sales and customer service activities, including customer communication, order entry, and account support.
• Assist with operational processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and warehouse coordination.
• Collaborate with team members to identify opportunities for process improvement and enhanced customer experiences.
• Analyze data and assist with reporting, tracking, and project work.
• Partner with employee-owners on projects that support business growth and operational excellence.
• Gain exposure to multiple departments through structured rotations.
• Complete and present a capstone project highlighting key accomplishments and recommendations.

Internship Structure

Daily Schedule | M-TH

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Core Operations Role

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Department Rotation

Interns will participate in:

• Department rotation assignments
• Job shadowing opportunities
• Hands-on learning experiences
• Exposure to business processes and customer-facing functions
• Cross-functional collaboration and networking
• Learning how departments work together to serve customers

Present a final capstone project to leaders and peers

Fridays may be dedicated to:

• Internship projects, professional development activities, and community impact initiatives

Requirements

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Graduate
• Current Sophomore or Junior pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to adapt, learn new systems, and work collaboratively

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Primarily on-site at a Van Meter location
• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and operational environments as needed
• Spending your time working with your hands and fingers, talking, hearing, and working closely with others and customers. Expect a mix of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day.

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.