Business Development Intern Spring/Summer 2025 – Research Park

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Posted: 4.7.25

Business Development Intern Spring/Summer 2025 – Research Park

Research Park

About the Research Park

Research Park is a technology hub for corporate operations focusing on innovative and cutting-edge research and development. Within the park, we also host events for EnterpriseWorks which is an award-winning incubator that focuses on science and research-based start-up companies commercializing technology from the University of Illinois. We have a multi-faceted team of professionals and interns dedicated to helping our startups and corporations thrive. Our previous interns have gone on to work at companies including Motorola, Google, Facebook, IBM, Allstate, Blue Bunny, Yelp, Leo Burnett & Surface 51.

About the Role

Job Title:
Business Development Intern

Primary Position Function/Summary:
The Business Development Intern supports the Research Park’s commercial initiatives by identifying, nurturing, and converting leads into viable business opportunities. The role involves comprehensive market and company research, client relationship management, preparation, and collaboration with internal teams to drive strategic growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Market Research & Lead Generation:
    • Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential clients and industries aligned with Research Park leasing opportunities.
    • Use digital tools, LinkedIn, and industry publications to generate and qualify leads by identifying alumni connections, researching other research park communities, and tracing former Research Park employees to new companies, among other strategies.
    • Monitor industry trends to inform outreach strategies.
    • Researching emerging industries and companies that fit with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s strengths, research, and talent.
    • Facilitating and supporting the planning and execution of corporate visits with executives and technology managers.
  • Sales and Prospecting:
    •  Help support proactive outreach to clients, including drafting emails, scripts, and memos.
    • Support follow-up on leads and maintain an active pipeline to ensure a steady flow of prospects.
    • Assist in setting up and coordinating client meetings.
  • Client Relationship Management:
    • Update the Salesforce CRM system, including data entry, cross-checking, and setting up trial notifications.
    • Support the preparation and delivery of customized presentations and proposals.
  • Reporting & Forecasting:
    • Track and report on business development activities and performance metrics using CRM tools.
    • Provide data-driven insights to improve business development strategies.
  • Administrative & Cross-functional Support:
    • Provide general administrative support, including scheduling, data entry, and document management.
    • Collaborate with internal teams to refine business development strategies and ensure alignment with overall objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain clear communications with management and multiple stakeholders on project status.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook and PowerPoint.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-oriented mindset and the ability to build lasting relationships.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a full-time enrolled student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time of employment.
  • Graduation date of December 2025 or later.
  • Ability to start training in March 2025 (5-7 hours per week).
  • This role has the potential to continue in Fall 2025 (10-15 hours per week).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior internship or related experience in business development, market research, or a similar field is preferred.
  • Familiarity with CRM tools, such as Salesforce.
  • Enrollment in a graduate program in a related field such as MBA, Marketing, Finance, Management/Strategic Management, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics/Applied Economics, Communication/Public Relations, etc.
  • Prior knowledge of Research Parks and similar ecosystems.
  • Proven track record in lead generation from prior internships or project work.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a metrics-driven, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to work independently as required.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

  • Primarily an office-based role within the Research Park.
  • May require occasional travel to local events or client meetings.
  • Extended periods of computer use and sitting are expected.

For your application, please submit the following:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; we are looking to fill this position as soon as possible
  • Accepting part time and full time applications.

Compensation