Business Operations & Sales Internship
Business Operations & Sales Internship
Overview
The Cheese People of Grand Rapids is a multi-market logistics and specialty food business focused on artisan and aged cheeses. We operate across farmers markets throughout Michigan and run a high-volume, multi-market business supported by a coordinated warehouse and distribution system behind the scenes.
We are offering a hands-on internship designed for students who want real business experience, not observation.
This role combines operations, sales, and business development. Interns will work directly with the owner and team to execute day-to-day responsibilities while also contributing to projects that impact how the business runs and grows.
You will leave this internship with measurable experience, a strong understanding of small business operations, and a professionally developed resume that reflects the work you actually performed.
What You’ll Experience
This is not a passive internship. You will actively participate in:
- Farmers market sales and customer interaction
- Warehouse operations and product handling
- Inventory flow and logistics coordination
- Business projects tied to your field of study
- Process improvement and operational testing
Interns will also serve as a test audience for new ideas, systems, and improvements within the business.
Project & Learning Component
Interns will meet regularly with the owner to work on projects aligned with their interests or academic focus.
Example projects may include:
- Accounting or financial tracking projects
- Sales strategy and customer behavior analysis
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Team communication and workflow systems
- Data tracking and reporting
You will not just complete tasks. You will contribute to real decisions.
Schedule & Commitment
- Internship runs approximately May through October
- Weekly schedule is flexible but set in advance
- Typical structure includes:
- 1–3 farmers market days per week (weekends required)
- Additional hours focused on projects or shop work
Weekend market availability is required, as this is a core part of the role.
Compensation
This is a paid internship.
- Market days: hourly base plus commission
- Shop work and project time: $21/hour
What You’ll Gain
- Real responsibility in both customer-facing and operational roles
- Experience working independently and as part of a team
- Exposure to how a growing business actually operates
- The ability to connect your academic work to real-world application
- A professionally built resume based on measurable outcomes
At the conclusion of the internship, you will work directly with the owner to translate your experience into a strong, results-driven resume that reflects your contributions.
Who This Is For
This internship is a strong fit for students who:
- Want hands-on business experience, not observation
- Are comfortable working both independently and with a team
- Enjoy interacting with people and working in a fast-paced environment
- Are willing to take ownership and learn quickly
- Are open to feedback and growth
Future Opportunity
Strong performers may have the opportunity to continue working with the business beyond the internship in expanded or leadership roles.
Application Questions
- Why are you interested in this internship, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
- What interests you about working farmers markets and interacting with customers?
- Tell us about a time you took ownership of something without being asked.
- Describe a time you had to problem-solve quickly. What did you do?
- This role requires showing up consistently for scheduled markets and project work. Can you confidently commit to that? Why?