Inside Sales Intern - Lake Forest

Work Location Type: Hybrid  

Req Number  332594

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.  

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $20/hour. 

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Position Details:

The Grainger Inside Sales Internship Program is a 10-week experience based in Lake Forest, IL. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in sales after graduation and want hands-on experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Interns will gain exposure to account management, participate in learning sessions with Grainger’s Executive Leadership team, and engage in professional development and team-building experiences. The program begins with a comprehensive 4-week sales training, where you’ll learn foundational selling skills and business acumen designed to set you up for success.

Following training, you will work in a team-oriented sales center environment, building relationships with Grainger customers. This includes up to 40 hours per week communicating with customers over the phone to understand their needs, provide solutions, and deliver exceptional service.

Throughout the internship, you will receive ongoing feedback and performance evaluations from your manager to support your growth. At the conclusion of the program, interns will deliver a final presentation to department leadership, highlighting project outcomes and strategic recommendations.

Additional Details: 
Housing support may be available for interns who live outside a 30-mile radius from their assigned internship location.  

You Will:

• Develop Sales Skills: Receive hands-on training and coaching to strengthen your communication, negotiation, and selling capabilities.  

• Build Relationships: Work directly with customers to understand their needs and deliver value-driven solutions.  

• Receive Mentorship: Partner with a peer mentor and manager who will provide guidance and continuous feedback.  

• Expand Your Network: Build meaningful connections with peers, leaders, and professionals across the organization.  

You Have: 

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher 

• A strong interest in pursuing a career in sales after graduation  

• Expected graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Sales, Business, Marketing, or a related field between December 2027 and May 2028  

• Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment  

• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the internship  

• Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship  

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.