Sales Summer Internship

Job Description

About the Job: Sales Summer Internship

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), a Fortune 500 company, is an ideas and solutions provider in the packaging industry. Our corrugated packaging business aims to be a leader in helping customers package, transport, and display products. Our white paper business delivers “Paper With Purpose” through exceptional customer service and operational excellence. With approximately 15,000 team members across more than 100 locations in the United States, PCA is dedicated to meeting local customer needs. Our mission is to serve customer needs, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

Core Values:
• People
• Customers
• Trust

Program Overview

PCA’s 13-week Sales Summer Internship (May – August) offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to build foundational sales knowledge across key departments. Interns will gain exposure in:
• Design
• Production
• Customer Service
• Sales

The program also includes a corporate office visit in Lake Forest, IL, providing opportunities to engage with marketing teams, meet PCA leadership, and network with fellow summer interns.

Career Opportunity: Upon successful completion of the program, interns may be offered a full-time position to begin after graduation, transitioning into PCA’s GIFT Program (rotational sales development program).

Principle Accountabilities (Key Responsibilities & Learning Objectives)

As a Sales Summer Intern, you will:
• Be paired with a mentor to guide your development throughout the summer.
• Work on special projects assigned to assist each business function: Design, Customer Service, Production, and Sales.
• Develop a deep understanding of PCA’s business, industry, and sales process.
• Build core sales skills, including:
• Communication
• Presentation
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving
• Networking
• Conduct competitor and key account research.
• Assist with customer communication, including inquiries, new item requests, lead follow-up, and complaint resolution.
• Build a prospect list and visit customers with experienced Sales Representatives.
• Present a final project to the management team and fellow interns.

Educational Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Must be a currently enrolled student majoring in Sales, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Must have completed their freshman year.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required.
• Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis.

Abilities/Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate:
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Must be comfortable engaging with mentors, team members, and customers.
• Candidate must display maturity and a high level of professionalism.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects or customer inquiries simultaneously.
• Must be able to travel.

Compensation And Benefits

The following compensation and benefits are associated with this position:
• Starting Salary for Position: $75,000.00
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• Paid Holidays: Yes
• Health Benefits (within 30 days of employment): Employees (and their dependents) are eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages including Medical, Dental, and Vision. Employees are automatically enrolled in Life, AD&D, and Disability coverages.
• 401k Plan (upon hire): Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401k plan, which offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer-provided matching contributions.

Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Application Information

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.