Internship Program

Job Description

About the Job: Internship Program at Rural King

About Us

Rural King is proudly America’s Farm and Home Store, a vital provider of essentials to the communities we serve. Our extensive product range includes everything from food and feed to a wide array of farm and home products. We operate over 130 locations across 13 states and are continuously expanding our footprint. With annual sales exceeding $2.5 Billion, our corporate heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

Customers cherish our distinctive shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee, a small gesture to show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we prioritize our associates, striving to cultivate a positive and rewarding workplace. We offer robust growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to passionately serve rural communities. Join us, and discover not just a job, but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

How We Reward You

Rural King is committed to rewarding its associates with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) Plan: A generous 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%.
• Healthcare Plans: Comprehensive options to support your health needs.
• Virtual Doctor Visits: Convenient access to medical care from anywhere.
• Centers of Excellence: Access to top-tier medical facilities like Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% Associate Discount: Enjoy savings on a wide range of products.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program: Financial wellness resources to help you achieve your goals.
• Associate Assistance Program: Support for various personal and professional challenges.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program: Assistance during times of significant need.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services: Spiritual and emotional support available around the clock.

What You’ll Do

The Rural King Internship Program is designed to offer highly motivated and successful individuals a valuable opportunity to develop skills and knowledge pertinent to their degree focus. Participants will gain insights into the retail industry through experiences specific to their assigned department. Specific responsibilities will be determined by the needs of the department and its line of business specialization, and may include:

• Professional Services: Providing entry to intermediate-level professional services under the supervision of a lead associate, aligning with departmental objectives.
• Project Participation: Engaging in impactful projects that directly influence the business within an innovative and fast-paced environment.
• Skill Development: Contributing to projects aimed at developing professional skills and expertise relevant to the assigned department.
• Collaborative Work: Partnering with other associates to complete projects and manage day-to-day operational tasks.
• Guidance and Mentoring: Receiving comprehensive guidance, training, and mentoring from department team members to effectively carry out activities and assignments.
• Process Improvement: Providing constructive suggestions and feedback to management to enhance internal processes and procedures.
• Software Proficiency: Learning and becoming proficient in necessary software systems as required by the department.
• Continuous Learning: Actively participating in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current with industry developments.
• Support Services: Providing friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Values Embodiment: Demonstrating behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s core Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Other Duties: Performing additional duties as assigned to support department and company goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Qualities For Success

To thrive in this internship role, candidates should possess:

• Academic Pursuit: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field of study that aligns with the assigned department.
• Academic Standing: Must be at a college junior standing or above at the time of the internship.
• GPA Requirement: Must maintain a 3.2 GPA or above.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn and become proficient in internal software systems.
• Adaptability: Strong adaptability and the capacity to learn quickly, handling unexpected challenges with maturity and professionalism.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Excel.
• Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills.
• Work Authorization: Permanent US work authorization required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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

Compensation

The pay for this position is max $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 comprehensive benefits, please review them [here](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094).