Rural King Internship Program

Job Description

Rural King Internship Program

About Rural King & Why Join Us
Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 130 locations across 13 states and is constantly expanding, with annual sales exceeding $2.5 Billion. Our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store are proudly located in Mattoon, IL.

We believe in creating a unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee, as a token of our appreciation for customer support. At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you’ll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How We Reward You
We are committed to supporting our associates through a comprehensive rewards package, including:
• 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: Convenient access to medical care.
• Centers of Excellence Access: With Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
• 15% Associate Discount: On Rural King products.
• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program: Financial wellness support.
• Associate Assistance Program: Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program: Assistance during difficult times.
• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services: Spiritual and emotional support.

What You’ll Do – The Internship Program
The Rural King Internship Program offers highly motivated and successful individuals an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge related to their area of degree focus. Participants will gain valuable insight into the retail industry through experiences specific to their assigned department. Specific responsibilities will be determined by the needs of the department and the line of business specialization. Key responsibilities include:
• Providing entry to intermediate-level professional services under the supervision of a lead associate, appropriate to department objectives.
• Participating in impactful projects, contributing directly to the business in an innovative and fast-paced environment.
• Contributing to projects designed to develop professional skills and expertise relevant to the assigned department.
• Partnering with other associates to complete projects and accomplish day-to-day operational tasks.
• Receiving guidance, training, and mentoring from department team members.
• Providing suggestions and feedback to management to improve internal processes and procedures.
• Learning and becoming proficient in software systems as required by the department.
• Actively participating in learning initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to acquire new knowledge and refine skills.
• Providing friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrating behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s core values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Essential Qualities For Success
To thrive in this internship, you will need:
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field of study that coincides 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 ability to learn quickly and handle unexpected challenges with maturity and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency 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. 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.