Sales Training Internship

Job Description

About the Company

Sun Gro® Horticulture is described as one of North America’s most prominent horticultural companies and an industry leader in soilless growing mixes. They serve a diverse clientele including horticultural professionals, retailers, and gardeners, providing superior-quality branded growing mixes and amendments designed to yield exceptional results. The company boasts dedicated teams that serve national and international customers from eight customer care centers operating across every major North American time zone. To further enhance their customer service, Sun Gro® Horticulture also provides exemplary support teams available to help professional growers troubleshoot and maximize the benefits of Sun Gro® products. The job posting highlights the company as a long standing and stable industry leader.

Job Description: Sales Training Internship

The Sales Training Internship is an 8-month training program located in Raleigh, NC, scheduled to start in September 2025.

The primary goal of this internship is to provide the successful candidate with comprehensive exposure to the sales process, product knowledge, and customer engagement. Interns will work closely with the sales team to ensure project goals are met and contribute to the overall success of the department.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay starting at $24.00 per hour.
• Potential for full-time opportunities for high-performing interns upon successful completion of the internship.
• The opportunity to be part of a long standing and stable industry leader.

Program Highlights (Detailed Breakdown):

The 8-month program is structured to provide a thorough learning experience through several phases:

1. Orientation and Training: Introduction to company culture, policies, and procedures; training on CRM systems and sales tools; product knowledge sessions.
2. Market Research and Analysis: Conducting market research, analyzing competitor products, and identifying potential clients.
3. Sales Support and Administration: Assisting in organizing business plans, supporting senior sales staff, and monitoring/analyzing sales data.
4. Customer Engagement: Conducting product demonstrations and sales pitches, and building relationships with industry professionals.
5. Sales Techniques and Strategies: Training on advanced sales techniques, developing strategies to increase product specifications, and conducting prospect calls.
6. Independent Sales Activities: Taking on independent sales activities, presenting products to clients, and monitoring sales data.
7. Collaboration and Networking: Working with outside sales representatives, attending industry events, and building/maintaining client relationships.
8. Advanced Sales Projects: Developing and implementing strategies to increase market share, and conducting in-depth sales analysis.
9. Final Projects and Presentations: Completing final sales projects, delivering presentations on outcomes, and receiving final feedback.

Key Responsibilities:

The intern will be responsible for:

• Gaining product knowledge and understanding the sales process.
• Conducting sales analysis to learn about products and customers.
• Performing cold calling to potential clients.
• Assisting in organizing and executing business plans.
• Supporting senior sales staff with administrative tasks.
• Engaging with customers and conducting product demonstrations.

Qualifications:

Candidates must possess the following:

• Currently a Senior enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., Business, Marketing, Communications).
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• An enthusiastic and pleasant attitude.
• A strong desire to learn.

Hours/Days/Schedule:

The internship primarily operates Monday through Friday, with a schedule of 30-40 hours per week, during the day shift.

Potential for Full-Time Role:

Upon successful completion of the program, there is potential for the intern to transition into a full-time Junior Sales Representative position. It is important to note that this full-time role will most likely require relocation to an open territory across the United States or any of the provinces in Canada.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment:

Sun Gro Horticulture emphasizes its commitment as an equal opportunity employer. The company is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. They also encourage and welcome applications from people with disabilities, with accommodations available upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.