Rural King Internship Program

Job Description

Rural King Internship Program

About Us
Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, a rapidly expanding retailer providing essentials to the communities we serve. With over 130 locations across 13 states and annual sales exceeding $2.5 Billion, our operations are anchored in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. We pride ourselves on offering a unique shopping experience, including complimentary popcorn and coffee, as a token of appreciation to our valued customers. At Rural King, we foster a positive, rewarding workplace that values our associates, offering growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment dedicated to serving rural communities passionately. Join us to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference.

About the Role
The Rural King Internship Program is designed to provide highly motivated and successful individuals with a unique opportunity to develop skills and knowledge directly related to their academic degree focus. Interns will gain invaluable insight into the retail industry through hands-on experiences within their assigned department. Specific responsibilities will be tailored to the department’s needs and the intern’s line of business specialization, ensuring a relevant and impactful learning experience.

What You’ll Do

• Provide entry to intermediate-level professional services, under the direct supervision of a lead associate, aligned with departmental objectives.
• Actively participate in significant projects that offer the opportunity to directly impact the business within an innovative and fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to projects specifically designed to develop professional skills and expertise relevant to the needs of the assigned department.
• Collaborate with other associates to complete projects and execute day-to-day operational tasks efficiently.
• Receive comprehensive guidance, training, and mentorship from experienced department team members to effectively carry out assigned activities and responsibilities.
• Offer constructive suggestions and feedback to management aimed at improving internal processes and procedures.
• Learn and achieve proficiency in various software systems as required by the department.
• Actively engage in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current with industry developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s core Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Essential Qualities For Success

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field of study that aligns with the assigned department.
• Must be at a college junior standing or above at the time of the internship.
• A minimum GPA of 3.2 or above is required.
• Ability to quickly learn and become proficient in internal software systems.
• Demonstrated adaptability and a strong ability to learn quickly, handling unexpected challenges with maturity and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Permanent US work authorization is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Able to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

How We Reward You

• 401(k) plan: Provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%.
• Healthcare plans tailored to support your needs.
• Virtual doctor visits for convenience.
• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% Associate Discount on purchases.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program for financial wellness.
• Associate Assistance Program for personal support.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services.

Compensation
The pay for this position is a maximum of $16.00 per hour. Exact compensation will be determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.

To learn more about our benefits, please review here: Rural King Benefits Information.