Inside a Sales Internship at GreatAmerica

Recently we asked our professional sales interns what was most important to them when accepting an internship. Responses included:

• We want to do meaningful work and make a difference
• We want to experience what sales is really like and learn whether this is a career path I want to pursue
• We want to actually see the people we work with
• We want to be involved in the company culture beyond the day-to-day
• We want to know if there is an opportunity to become a fulltime employee when I graduate

Are these same things important to you? Let’s dive deeper into each and see if a professional sales internship at GreatAmerica might be a great fit for you.

Meaningful Work that Makes a Difference

Stereotypical internships where you make coffee or shuffle paperwork don’t exist here. Our professional sales interns begin by onboarding side-by-side with our full-time employees to learn how we make an impact in our customers’ businesses right away. They are also enrolled in our Sales Boot Camp curriculum that all new sales professionals complete setting our candidates up for success from day one. At the midway mark of an internship we introduce a group capstone project that is presented to senior leaders. In 2024, our interns reported on their prospecting activity that involved more than 4,500 accounts. Not only did they gain valuable feedback on both their work and presentation skills but they did meaningful work that will be used for years to come.

"My GreatAmerica internship experience was overall very positive, which I credit to the people that go out of their way to help interns learn not only about the company, but also who have a strong passion to create an environment for interns to develop sales professionalism, collaboration skills, and personal growth during and after the internship!”

- Jax D., 2022 summer intern

Gain Real Sales Experience

Every sales professional intern is guided by a Vice President of Sales and mentored by experienced sales professionals. As a GreatAmerica intern, you meet with each multiple times a week and see our consultative sales process at work. You can expect to observe sales calls, practice your own calling skills, and make your own prospecting calls (with help and guidance, of course). Our interns are invited to participate in on customer sales and service meetings, experiencing how GreatAmerica fulfills its mission of “helping our customers achieve greater success.” You’ll attend the same business unit meetings that our sales professionals attend and read the same emails they receive from the sales organization leadership. By the end of the internship, your new knowledge and skills will inform whether a consultative career in sales would be a rewarding path for you.

“I went into the internship not knowing if a career in sales would be right for me. Sales has a certain reputation that we all understand. It was so encouraging to see the GreatAmerica sales process and the way they keep customers front and center – it is just the opposite of the stereotype. I came away with a changed understanding about how sales can be, and wanting to begin a sales career with GreatAmerica.” 

- Sam F., 2024 summer intern

Face-to-Face Interactions

The GreatAmerica corporate headquarters are in downtown Cedar Rapids, where about 600 of our teammates are located. Sales interns sit alongside sales professionals, in low-wall cubes that encourage interaction. Although many of our sales professionals spend time out of the office, there will rarely be a day that interns are left alone for long. You will be face-to-face with your mentors and teammates every day of the summer. To ensure you get the best experience possible, we require all interns to work in the Cedar Rapids office Monday through Friday, typically from 8 am to 5 pm.

“The leaders are friendly, nice, and approachable. They want the best for interns and to help develop them both professionally and personally. The way the office is set up makes me feel like I can approach anyone with questions. It's a good atmosphere and I’ve had lots of options for shadowing. I’m excited to get out of my comfort zone and make calls.”

- Kenadee D., 2022 summer intern

Outside the Day-to-Day

Volunteerism and philanthropy are important at GreatAmerica and we want our interns to enjoy working in our community alongside their new colleagues. Recent sales interns volunteered with teammates to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, packed supplies for distribution to area families, and participated in the Corridor Corporate Games (GreatAmerica is the reigning three-peat corporate champion!) One of our principles is “We celebrate successes, share rewards, and make time for fun.” Our headquarters is within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and watering holes in the area. The Minnesota Twins Class A affiliate plays games five minutes away, and the new Pickle Palace (pickleball and duckpin bowling) is just down the street. Our teams make time to enjoy the many amenities of Cedar Rapids.

“I was amazed at the culture – the way that people help each other and encourage everyone’s success. I’m sure there’s a lot of good companies out there, but honestly, I can’t imagine one that is a better place to work at.”

- Brady K., 2024 summer intern

Full-time Opportunities

GreatAmerica only offers internships in career paths where we consistently have full-time openings. This is not a guarantee that we will have a sales position available for all our successful sales interns. However, we are consistently seeking talented college graduates that are eager to begin their sales career in a nurturing, successful environment. Since 2022, we have extended employment opportunities to more than half of our sales interns. One of our best examples is recent Forty Under 40 Award recipient, Mitch Leahy. Mitch started with GreatAmerica in 2007 as an intern. He is now Vice President & General Manager of the Office Equipment Group, our largest business unit. Mitch’s advice to future interns is simple: “Have a desire to learn and be naturally curious. Be proactive in reaching out and asking questions. There are plenty of people here who are willing to help you learn and grow.”

“My internship was a great way to transition from college to the professional world. I gained interview experience, developed my professionalism, learned how to interact with coworkers and mastered technical skills. I had the opportunity to meet a variety of people in different units of the company and I appreciate the supportive environment.”

- Kenadee D., 2022 summer intern

Is a sales internship at GreatAmerica right for you? 

Make a difference, gain real experience, work face-to-face with your teammates, enjoy new relationships, and walk a path toward potential future employment. If you’re looking for these qualities in an internship, visit our careers page and browse our open opportunities.