Sales Intern (Paid)

United Rentals; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Parental Leave

United Compassion Fund

Employee Discount Program

Career Development & Promotional Oppt.

Additional Vacation

Buy Up Program (US Only)

Early Wage Access through Payactiv (US

Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

United Rentals is seeking a Branch Sales Intern in Des Moines, IA to learn the sales process through inside and outside sales experiences while delivering customer service excellence. The role aims to develop skills for a future Sales Associate position upon degree completion.

You will receive training on systems like RentalMan and Salesforce, participate in safety programs, and work in a collaborative environment with strong support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Must be currently pursuing a BA/BS degree in sales or related major.
• Prior relevant work experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple assignments/projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive and sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

• Participation in safety training and proper PPE usage.
• Assist with yard and branch workflow including equipment check-in and washing.
• Shadow inside and outside sales positions to learn roles and responsibilities.
• Training on systems: RentalMan, Salesforce.com, etc.
• Participate in departmental and cross-functional meetings, ride-alongs, work sessions, conference calls and Webex meetings.
• Other duties assigned as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Independence

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Education

BA/BS in sales or related major

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Job description

Great company. Great people. Great opportunities. If you’d like the chance to make your mark with the world’s largest equipment rental provider, come build your future with United Rentals! We have an excellent opportunity for a branch Sales Intern who is ready to grow their career with the leading company in the industry. You will learn the sales process by spending time in both inside and outside sales with a continuous focus on customer service excellence. You will leave this role with invaluable skills and industry knowledge with the goal of becoming a Sales Associate upon receipt of degree.

What you'll do (may vary by department):

• Participation in safety training to ensure proper personal protective equipment is worn, safe handling of equipment, safety policies and procedures are adhered to, etc.
• Participation in the operational efficiency of the branch work flow in the yard. This will include equipment check-in, washing of equipment, assisting customers, etc.
• Shadowing of inside sales and outside sales positions to learn the roles and responsibilities of each and the importance United Rentals places on the focus of the customers.
• Training on systems: RentalMan, Salesforce.com, etc.
• Participation in departmental and cross-functional meetings, ride-alongs, work sessions, conference calls and webex meetings.
• Other duties assigned as needed.

Requirements:

• Prior relevant work experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple assignments/project components simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive and sense of urgency.
• Must be currently pursuing a BA/BS degree in sales or related major.

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of United Rentals’ policies and procedures.

Why join us?

We don’t just "talk the talk!" We’re an award-winning company (recently named a Glassdoor Best Place to Work in 2026) that truly cares about our people — that’s why we offer best-in-class benefits and perks that will support you and your family. In addition to our health and financial plans, we also offer:

• Paid Parental Leave
• United Compassion Fund
• Employee Discount Program
• Career Development & Promotional Opportunities
• Additional Vacation
• Buy Up Program (US Only)
• Early Wage Access through Payactiv (US Hourly Only)
• Paid Sick Leave

An inclusive and welcoming culture. Explore our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings. For Canadian benefits, click here.

United Rentals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other status protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point of the application process, please email [e-mail] for assistance.

At United Rentals, we proudly hire active duty members, veterans, reservists, and their families. The values that define your service—leadership, discipline, integrity, and teamwork—are the same values that drive our success. With many veterans already part of our team, we’re ready to help you transition into a rewarding career.

United Rentals consists of a wide variety of roles with different duties and responsibilities. The actual pay rate offered to candidates varies depending upon a wide range of factors including specific position, location, education, training, experience, skills, and ability.

Founded in 1997, United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in the world, with an integrated network of rental locations in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states, every Canadian province and Puerto Rico.