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Business Development Intern Jobs in Sterling, IL

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Business Development Intern information

See Sterling, IL salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do business development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for business development intern in Sterling, IL is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a business development intern do?

A Business Development Intern supports the business development team by assisting with market research, identifying potential clients, and helping to develop strategies to grow the company's customer base. Interns may also help prepare presentations, manage customer databases, and participate in meetings with potential partners or clients. Their role offers valuable experience in sales, marketing, and relationship-building within a business environment.

What does a business development intern do?

A business development intern helps a company or organization increase sales through lead generation, marketing, and other corporate strategies. As a business development intern, your job duties may include identifying and contacting prospective customers or partner companies, promoting the business online and via word-of-mouth, and creating client proposals and contracts. The goal of the internship is to gain valuable work experience and skills to start your career in business development. Qualifications vary depending on the program, but business development internships typically accept applicants who are studying or have recently obtained a business or marketing degree. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and sales skills are also helpful, along with the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a business development intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Business Development Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, communication skills, and a basic understanding of sales or marketing principles, typically gained through relevant coursework or internships. Familiarity with CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and market research tools is often required. Proactive attitude, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help interns build relationships and identify growth opportunities. These competencies enable effective support for business growth strategies and seamless collaboration within the team.

What does a typical week look like for a business development intern, and how do they contribute to the team's goals?

As a Business Development Intern, your week typically involves researching potential clients, supporting outreach efforts, and assisting with the preparation of presentations or proposals. You'll often collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and senior business development staff to identify new opportunities and help track progress in CRM systems. This hands-on involvement allows you to develop your communication, analytical, and project management skills, while directly contributing to the team’s growth targets. The dynamic and collaborative nature of the work provides valuable exposure to various aspects of business operations and client relationship management.

What is the difference between Business Development Intern vs Sales Intern?

AspectBusiness Development InternSales Intern
ResponsibilitiesResearching market opportunities, building partnerships, supporting strategic growthGenerating leads, cold calling, assisting with sales pitches
Skills NeededMarket analysis, communication, networkingPersuasion, customer engagement, presentation skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning sessions, market research teamsSales teams, client meetings, outreach activities
Common UsageStartups, corporate growth departmentsRetail, B2B sales, tech companies

While both roles support business growth, a Business Development Intern focuses on strategic partnerships and market research, whereas a Sales Intern concentrates on direct sales activities and lead conversion. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the role aligned with their skills and career goals.

More about Business Development Intern jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development jobs in Sterling, IL?

The most popular types of Business Development jobs in Sterling, IL are:

What cities near Sterling, IL are hiring for Business Development Intern jobs?

Cities near Sterling, IL with the most Business Development Intern job openings:

Business Development Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development Intern job openings in Sterling, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,615 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern - Ag View FS - Amboy, IL

GROWMARK, Inc.

Amboy, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Internship

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Growmark rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 65 rated farming

Job description

SALARY: $15/hour

BENEFITS: We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees and encourage our interns to start planning for retirement early by offering them the opportunity to participate in our 401(k) plan.   

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT: 

Serves as the Agronomy Operations intern under the direction of location management; trains and assists with general Agronomy functions to learn the foundation of the System and industry and prepare for a future career. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Hands-on experience in agronomy field and operations. 

Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair. 

Visit FS locations and customers building professional relationships. 

Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting. 

Apply crop nutrition and crop protection products. 

Gain understanding and experience with ordering, receiving, and inventory control.  

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Follows GROWMARK's Code of Conduct and Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply. 

Performs all other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college or university and in good academic standing at time the internship begins, with preferred candidates going into their first or second year of college at the time of the internship. 

Must have ability to obtain a CDL and commercials applicator's license with required endorsements, a satisfactory driving record, and valid medical card.  

Demonstrates ability to work independently. 

Demonstrates essential abilities including communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development. 

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record. 

Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary. 

Ability to lift up to 70 pounds and work in varying weather conditions, as well as working at various heights or elevated platforms. 

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK's policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 

Participate in all Exploring Agriculture Internship Program activities. 

Attend one required internship event:  

  • May 17-18, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL) 

Submit weekly activity reports. 

Focus on an operational project to improve efficiencies for the business.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:  

If you enjoy being outside and are interested in gaining hands-on Agronomy experience, then we can't wait to talk to you!  We are looking for an Exploring Agriculture Agronomy Operations Intern who is eager to go above and beyond to help our customers. A few key areas of emphasis include: 

  • Operate field research and crop monitoring equipment and technology for scouting. 

  • Assist with facility and equipment maintenance and repair. 

  • Visit FS locations and customers, building professional relationships. 

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE: 

You are pursuing a degree or certification from a community college, technical college, or university. 

You are in good academic standing. 

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE: 

We value relationships and people first and foremost. 

We are a company that is committed to being an innovation leader in the agriculture industry. 

We emphasize sustainability practices and stewardship of our resources. 

We enjoy access to in-house training and leadership development opportunities. 

WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT US: 

The GROWMARK Exploring Agriculture Internship Program is in its 14th year. The program has given students the opportunity to explore career paths and develop professionally; many of whom still call the GROWMARK System "home" today!

 
We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.
 
Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.

What Growmark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About GROWMARK

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

Industry

Clean energy services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Bloomington, IL, US

Year founded

1927

Social media

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