Sales Summer Internship

Job Description

About Company

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a Fortune 500 company that operates as an ideas and solutions provider. PCA is a major player in the manufacturing industry, specializing in two key areas:

1. Corrugated Packaging Business: This segment aims to be a leader in assisting customers, both large and small, with packaging, transporting, and displaying a diverse range of products.
2. White Paper Business: This division focuses on delivering “Paper With Purpose” by offering exceptional customer service and striving for operational excellence.

The company boasts a significant presence with approximately 15,000 team members across more than 100 locations in the United States, all dedicated to meeting the local needs of their customers. PCA’s mission is to serve customer needs, today and tomorrow, by providing products and services that consistently exceed expectations regarding performance and environmental responsibility. The company values are underpinned by a focus on People, Customers, and Trust.

Job Description: Sales Summer Internship

This is a detailed description of PCA’s Sales Summer Internship program.

Program Overview:
The internship is a 13-week program, running from May to August, designed to offer interns comprehensive, hands-on experience. Interns will rotate through key departments, gaining exposure to Design, Production, Customer Service, and Sales, while simultaneously building foundational sales knowledge. A notable feature of the program is a corporate office visit in Lake Forest, IL, where interns will have the opportunity to engage with the marketing team, meet PCA leadership, and network with fellow summer interns. A significant benefit of successful completion is the potential for a full-time job offer to join PCA’s GIFT Program (a rotational sales development program) after graduation.

Principle Accountabilities (Intern Responsibilities):

• Each intern will be paired with a dedicated mentor to guide their professional development throughout the summer.
• Interns will work on special projects specifically assigned to assist each business function: Design, Customer Service, Production, and Sales.
• A key objective is to foster a deep understanding of PCA’s business, industry, and sales process.
• Interns will actively develop essential core sales skills, including communication, presentation, time management, problem-solving, and networking.
• Responsibilities include conducting competitor and key account research.
• Interns will assist with various aspects of customer communication, such as handling inquiries, managing new item requests, following up on leads, and resolving complaints.
• The role involves building a prospect list and participating in customer visits alongside experienced Sales Representatives.
• The program culminates with interns presenting a final project to the management team and their fellow interns.

Educational Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled students.
• Majoring in Sales, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Must have successfully completed their freshman year.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required.
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis.

Abilities/Skills:

• Possession of strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills is essential.
• Candidates must be comfortable engaging and interacting with mentors, team members, and customers.
• A display of maturity and a high level of professionalism is expected.
• The ability to effectively handle multiple projects or customer inquiries simultaneously is required.
• Applicants must be able to travel as needed for program activities.

Application Process:
All qualified applicants are required to apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, actively encouraging applications from Veterans/Disabled and individuals from other protected categories.