2026 Summer Internship Program

Job Description

2026 Summer Internship Program at Rural King

Please Note: Recruiting efforts for the highly anticipated 2026 Summer Internship Program will officially commence on September 1, 2025. All applications and resumes submitted prior to this date will be securely stored and meticulously reviewed once our dedicated selection process officially begins.

About Rural King: America’s Farm and Home Store

Rural King stands proudly as America’s Farm and Home Store, a vital cornerstone providing essential products and services to the communities we serve with unwavering dedication. With an expansive array of necessities ranging from premium food and feed to comprehensive farm and home products, Rural King successfully operates in over 140 locations across 14 states, and our footprint is continuously expanding. Our annual sales impressively exceed $2.5 Billion, and the vibrant heart of our operations beats strong in Mattoon, Illinois, home to our bustling corporate office, state-of-the-art distribution center, and our flagship store.

One of the distinctive qualities our cherished customers consistently appreciate is our unique shopping experience, thoughtfully enhanced with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It’s just one of the many ways we express our sincere appreciation for their loyal support.

At Rural King, we deeply value our associates and are committed to cultivating a truly positive, rewarding, and growth-oriented workplace. We offer exceptional opportunities for professional development, competitive benefits designed to support your well-being, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together, passionately committed to serving rural communities. Join us, and you’ll discover not merely a job, but a genuine opportunity to flourish professionally, contribute meaningfully to our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we proudly serve.

Investing in Our Associates: Your Comprehensive Rewards and Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our team members both professionally and personally. As a valued Rural King associate, you’ll have access to a robust suite of benefits designed with your well-being and future in mind:

• Exceptional 401(k) Plan: Secure your future with a plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Plans: Robust options designed to support your individual health and wellness needs.
• Convenient Virtual Doctor Visits: Access medical consultations from the comfort of your home.
• Access to Centers of Excellence: Benefit from specialized care through our partnerships with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• Generous 15% Associate Discount: Enjoy significant savings on a wide range of Rural King products.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program: Tools and resources to empower your financial literacy and journey to financial peace.
• Associate Assistance Program: Confidential support services for life’s challenges.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program: A helping hand for associates facing unexpected hardships.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services: Compassionate spiritual and emotional support available around the clock.

Your Impact: What You’ll Do as a Rural King Intern

The Rural King Internship Program is purposefully designed to offer highly motivated and successful individuals an invaluable opportunity to cultivate specialized skills and acquire practical knowledge directly related to their chosen area of degree focus. Participants in this dynamic program will gain deep insights into the retail industry through immersive experiences specific to their assigned department, which may include areas such as Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, or Operations.

Specific internship responsibilities will be tailored to and dependent on the strategic needs of the department and the business line specialization, providing a truly customized learning journey:

• Provide entry to intermediate-level professional services, operating under the expert supervision and mentorship of a lead associate, perfectly aligned with departmental objectives.
• Actively participate in critical projects, with the unique opportunity to directly impact the business and thrive within an innovative and fast-paced environment.
• Contribute significantly to projects meticulously designed to foster professional skill development and expertise, directly relevant to the strategic needs of your assigned department.
• Collaborate seamlessly with other associates to successfully complete impactful projects and efficiently accomplish day-to-day operational tasks.
• Receive invaluable guidance, hands-on training, and dedicated mentoring from experienced department team members to effectively carry out activities and assignments.
• Proactively provide insightful suggestions and constructive feedback to management, contributing directly to the continuous improvement of internal processes and procedures.
• Rapidly learn and become proficient in essential software systems vital to your department’s success.
• Actively participate in a wide array of learning initiatives offered, such as comprehensive training programs, engaging workshops, and insightful webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest industry developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, adeptly assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Consistently demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s foundational values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned, showcasing adaptability and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Who We’re Seeking: Essential Qualities for Success

We are searching for bright, ambitious, and dedicated individuals eager to embark on a challenging and rewarding internship experience. To excel in this program, you must possess:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field of study which directly coincides with your prospective assigned department (e.g., Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Human Resources).
• Must be at a college junior standing or above at the time of the internship commencement.
• A strong academic record, evidenced by a 3.2 GPA or above.
• A keen ability to learn quickly and become proficient in internal software systems.
• Exceptional adaptability and the capacity to learn rapidly, along with the maturity and professionalism to handle unexpected challenges effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of clear and impactful interactions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly strong skills in Excel.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills, with a focus on helpfulness and problem-solving.
• Permanent US work authorization is a strict requirement for this program.

Physical Requirements

The role may include certain physical demands to successfully perform essential functions:

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

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

Your Compensation & Investment in Growth

The compensation for this valuable internship opportunity is competitive, offering a maximum of $16.00 per hour. The exact compensation will be thoughtfully determined by a variety of factors, including your relevant geographic location, education, certifications, prior experience, job level, shift, and the specific organizational needs of the department. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay, in full compliance with all applicable laws.

To learn more about the extensive benefits available to our associates, we encourage you to review the detailed information available here.