Project Coordinator Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. invites a Project Coordinator Intern to gain hands-on experience in coordinating customer projects within the electrical distribution, lighting, and gear industries.

You will support Lighting & Gear Specialists, Project Coordinators, and Contractor Team members to develop and deliver customer-focused solutions. Throughout the internship, you will gain exposure to real-world applications, customer project development, design processes, and industry events while building skills that

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Sophomore or junior in college.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organize work, manage priorities, and accept feedback.
• Work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Electrical Distribution Orientation to understand functions and vendor relationships.
• Job shadow across departments with focus on Project Coordinator role.
• Support Lighting & Gear Teams and learn from industry professionals.
• Travel with Lighting & Gear Specialists to customer sites and projects.
• Attend commercial events, training sessions, and trade shows; assist with setups.
• Contribute to lighting and gear solution design by interpreting customer needs.
• Perform project-related tasks and administrative duties as directed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Written & Verbal Skills

Analytical Thinking

Organization & Prioritization

Team Collaboration

Travel Readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

College sophomore or junior

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Role Summary

If you're looking to gain hands-on experience in project coordination while exploring the electrical distribution, lighting, and gear industries, this internship is for you. As a Project Coordinator Intern, you will support dynamic projects and work alongside Lighting & Gear Specialists, Project Coordinators, and Contractor Team members to develop and deliver customer-focused solutions. Throughout the internship, you will gain exposure to real-world applications, customer project development, design processes, and industry events while building skills that directly support a future career in project management, engineering, automation, robotics, information technology, or related technical fields.

What sets this internship apart is the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts, participate in field experiences, contribute to innovative customer solutions, and learn how multiple departments work together to create lasting value. This role supports our company culture through the 5 P's and our purpose to Create Lasting Value for Those We Serve.

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," encouraging employee-owners to live the company’s values, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and contribute to a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in an Electrical Distribution Orientation to gain an understanding of organizational functions, partnerships, and vendor relationships.


• Job shadow team members across multiple departments, with a primary focus on the Project Coordinator role.


• Support the Lighting & Gear Teams while learning from experienced industry professionals.


• Travel with Lighting & Gear Specialists to customer sites and project locations to gain real-world field experience.


• Attend commercial events, technical training sessions, and trade shows while assisting with event setup and support activities.


• Contribute to the design process by interpreting customer needs and helping develop practical lighting and gear solutions.


• Perform assigned project-related tasks and administrative responsibilities as directed.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer-focused project execution and successful outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED


• Currently a sophomore or junior in college


• 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 and Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to customer sites, project locations, trade shows, and industry events as required.


• Primarily office-based position with opportunities for field experience and customer-facing activities.


• Ability to interact with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders in professional environments.


• Ability to hear and respond to conversations, phone calls, alarms, and other workplace communications

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in an office, warehouse, branch, or hybrid environment, depending on business needs


• Exposure to moderate noise levels typical of professional work environments


• May visit warehouse, manufacturing, or customer locations as part of training and development activities


• Ability to hear and respond to conversations, phone calls, alarms, and other workplace communications


• Ability to travel between company locations and customer sites as needed

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.