(#R24_0000001804) Inside Sales - Business Development Intern

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

What you can expect from H.B. Fuller's Internship Program: 

You’ll be joining a cohort of talented students from a variety of schools across the U.S. We hire interns into the following positions: Process Engineering, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Technical Sales, Supply Chain, Product Marketing, Information Technology, and more. 

The projects we task our interns to lead are impactful and meaningful to our organization. You’ll be supported by your Manager and Mentor to gain in-depth knowledge of the adhesive industry and collaborate with various departments and functions. We also offer an established path for next-level opportunities - making this internship the starting point for a long-term career path. 

Internship Location: St. Paul, MN. 

Our Internship Experience includes: 

12-week paid program beginning the end of May to mid-August to gain insight and knowledge in your field. 

Interactive orientation and events with skilled professionals in your field, including managers, directors, and CEO. 

Multiple networking, volunteer and fun events – both virtual and in-person. 

Impactful projects that make a difference internally and externally for H.B. Fuller. 

End of summer final presentation to showcase your career development with support from managers and peers. 

Position overview:

The Inside Sales Business Development Intern (ISBDI) at H.B. Fuller will be responsible for identifying and developing new business contacts, facilities and adhesive applications.

The position is responsible for establishing and identifying potential customers primarily by telephone and other web-based tools. Key activities include consistently executing on a regular and agreed upon call cycle with potential customers; adding value by applying sales skills to the conversation to identify the needs of the customers with the goal to meet those needs with H.B. Fuller products.

This role spends a significant amount of time on the telephone and working on email to identify and to qualify potential customers with the goal of developing and closing new business. ISBDIs must be resilient, energetic, and able to engage potential customers in valuable discussions that underline the value H.B. Fuller can bring to their operations.

Primary Duties:

Develop a robust pipeline of potential H.B Fuller customers to secure new business.

20-40 outbound calls/day

Record all customer conversations in Salesforce.com (SFDC), our Customer Relationship Management software

Meet the targeted levels of customer meetings (telephone meetings)   

Ensure all potential customers view HB Fuller as a partner by providing professional sales representation and excellent service.

Gain customer support and acceptance by engaging in discussions to determine requirements and expectations, then effectively explore product and service solutions.

Influence and gain alignment with both external and internal key decision makers and influencers at all levels of an organization.

Identify and develop new business using tools such as LinkedIn, to include:

Cold calling, market research and lead sourcing

Through verbal and written communication, determine business requirements and expectations

Identify decision maker(s), influencers and develop relationships

Develop, enter and update opportunity process in SFDC

Partner with HBF Account Managers to coordinate customer site visits to run line trials and/or audits.

Interpersonal contacts:

Exerts strong influence on decisions affecting this general function.  Deals with people at all levels within both customer accounts and the internal organization.  Drives customer problem resolution, leveraging experience, HBF departments and resources. Contacts are made primarily via phone and through electronic media.  Disclosure of confidential data accessible to this job would have adverse effects internally and externally and could result in major losses to H.B. Fuller.

Minimum requirements:

Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with 1 or 2 years completed in a sales, business management, chemistry, chemical engineering or marketing field

Current Junior - Spring 2026 Graduate

Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to develop and deliver effective presentations through electronic mediums.

Ability to influence via phone, identify and gain access to decision makers, develop deep business knowledge.

Strong computer competency with high MS Office suite proficiency, database experience and other internet-based software.

Ability to work independently as well as in team environment.

Well organized, process and data driven, producing accurate and timely reports, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

CRM Skills

SalesForce.com experience

Advanced consultative sales skills

Physical Environment:

General office environment

Time spent on phone: Five or more hours daily

Work is done primarily electronically and, on the phone, (90%).

Occasional attendance at industry trade shows, conferences, etc.

Mental and Physical Requirements:

Mental activities require continuous interpersonal skills, selling, customer service, initiative and independent judgment and/or independent action; frequently using decision making, basic math, discretion, creativity, teamwork, and problem analysis, and occasionally using negotiation, and presentations/training.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $22-$25 per hour based on major.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.