Business Development & Operations Internship

Internship Overview

A locally owned professional testing and compliance services company in Charlottesville is seeking a dependable and motivated college student or recent graduate for a paid Business Development & Operations Internship.

The intern will receive practical experience in professional sales, prospecting, customer relationship management, regulated business operations, and office administration. The position will initially focus on contacting local employers, introducing company services, identifying potential clients, and following up with business prospects.

As the intern completes training and demonstrates reliability and proficiency, the role may expand to include customer service, testing procedures, and independent office responsibilities during assigned shifts.

This opportunity may be especially suitable for students or recent graduates interested in sales, marketing, business, communications, management, entrepreneurship, healthcare administration, or a related field.

What You Will Learn

• Professional prospecting and outbound-sales techniques
• How to identify and communicate with business decision-makers
• Customer relationship and sales-pipeline management
• Professional telephone and email communication
• Lead tracking and follow-up strategies
• Business-to-business sales and account development
• Customer service and office-management practices
• Regulated testing and chain-of-custody procedures
• Confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive information
• How a locally owned service business develops and retains clients

Internship Responsibilities

• Make targeted outbound calls to local employers and organizations
• Introduce company services clearly and professionally
• Identify decision-makers and potential business opportunities
• Send professional follow-up emails
• Maintain accurate prospect and customer records
• Schedule meetings and follow-up conversations
• Conduct approved visits to prospective local clients
• Help develop relationships with employers and community organizations
• Track calls, conversations, appointments, and account activity
• Participate in weekly coaching and performance reviews
• Answer phones and assist scheduled customers and walk-ins
• Process payments and complete required paperwork accurately
• Learn specimen-collection, testing, and chain-of-custody procedures
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Assist with other reasonable business-development and office-support duties

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in college or recently graduated
• Interest in sales, marketing, business development, management, healthcare administration, or entrepreneurship
• Dependable, punctual, and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable making outbound calls and approaching businesses
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Organized and consistent with follow-up
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to work independently after receiving appropriate training
• Comfortable learning and following regulated procedures
• Able to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Basic computer and data-entry skills
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate automobile insurance for approved business travel
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test
• Must meet applicable background-screening requirements

Previous sales or office experience is helpful but not required. Training and ongoing coaching will be provided.

Compensation and Professional Growth

• $16 per hour
• Mileage reimbursement for approved business travel
• Performance bonuses may be available for qualifying new accounts that generate paid revenue
• Practical experience that can be included on a professional résumé
• Regular coaching and feedback
• Opportunity for increased responsibilities and additional hours
• Possibility of continued part-time employment after successful completion of the internship

Continued employment is not guaranteed and will depend on performance, completed training, availability, business growth, and company needs.

Schedule and Training

The internship is expected to require approximately 16–24 hours per week during normal weekday business hours. The specific schedule may be arranged around the selected candidate’s class schedule and the needs of the business.

The initial schedule will include business-development activities, structured training, and time working directly with management. After successfully completing training, the intern may assume greater responsibility for customer service and office operations during assigned shifts.

To Apply

Please submit the following:

• Your résumé
• Your current college, program of study, and anticipated graduation date, if applicable
• A brief statement explaining why you are interested in gaining experience in business development, sales, and operations
• Your weekday availability

Qualified applicants will receive additional information about the company and its services during the interview process.

We are an equal opportunity employer.