Internship Program

Job Description

Job Title: Internship Program

About Us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, dedicated to providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a vast array of necessities, including food, feed, farm, and home products, Rural King proudly serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is continuously expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, with our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store centrally located in Mattoon, IL.

Our customers value our unique shopping experience, enhanced by complimentary popcorn and coffee—a small token of our appreciation for their support.

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

How We Reward You (Benefits)

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

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

The Rural King Internship Program is designed to offer highly motivated and successful individuals an invaluable opportunity to develop skills and knowledge pertinent to their area of degree focus. Participants will gain exposure to the retail industry through experiences specific to their assigned department. Internship responsibilities will be determined based on departmental needs and line of business specialization.

• Provide entry to intermediate-level professional services, under the supervision of a lead associate, as appropriate to departmental objectives.
• Participate in projects with direct business impact within an innovative and fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to projects focused on developing professional skills and expertise relevant to the assigned department.
• Partner with other associates to complete projects and accomplish day-to-day operational tasks.
• Receive guidance, training, and mentoring from department team members for activities and assignments.
• Offer suggestions and feedback to management to enhance internal processes and procedures.
• Learn and become proficient in software systems as required by the department.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to acquire new knowledge, refine skills, and stay current.
• 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 Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Qualities For Success (Qualifications)

• 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 internship.
• Must have a 3.2 GPA or above.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in internal software systems.
• Adaptability and the capacity to learn quickly and handle unexpected challenges with maturity and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Excel.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Permanent US work authorization 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.

Compensation

The pay for this position is max $16.00 per hour, with exact compensation 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.