Business Development Intern Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve searched “Business Development Intern job description,” you’ve probably seen a dozen nearly identical templates—bullet points, vague responsibilities, and a job post that could apply to any company, anywhere.

The problem? Those kinds of posts don’t actually attract strong candidates. They attract checkbox applicants—people who are sending resumes to everything, not necessarily to you.

And that’s a big problem if you’re looking for someone resourceful, curious, and eager to grow—a Business Development Intern who could one day become a core member of your team.

If you want to stand out and attract the right kind of person, your job post has to do more than list responsibilities—it has to tell a story, reflect your company culture, and show what makes the opportunity unique.

In this guide, we’re not just giving you another generic template. We’re going to:

  • Explain what this role actually is (in plain English)

  • Share two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced interns, one for early talent)

  • Break down why they work—and how yours can too

  • Show a bad job description (so you don’t make the same mistakes)

  • And give you a copy-paste version you can edit and publish today

Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

What A Business Development Intern Actually Does

A Business Development Intern helps your company grow by identifying potential customers, researching leads, reaching out to prospects, and supporting the sales or partnerships team.

Think of them as a junior growth detective.

They don’t need to close big deals on day one—but they should be eager to learn how your business works, ask smart questions, and actively contribute to the pipeline-building process.

Some interns might help with outbound email campaigns. Others might assist in creating pitch decks, doing competitor research, updating CRM data, or scheduling meetings for senior reps.

The key qualities? Curiosity, persistence, great communication, and the ability to take feedback and run with it.

This isn’t a coffee-fetching internship. It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn the building blocks of how companies grow—making it ideal for someone who’s hungry to learn about sales, marketing, and strategy from the inside out.

Two Great Business Development Intern Job Description Templates

✅ Template 1 – Job Description For Experienced Business Development Intern

📌 Job Title: Business Development Intern (B2B SaaS) — Help Scale OptiGrowth’s Sales Pipeline
📍 Location: Remote | Type: Paid Internship | Duration: 4–6 Months
💸 Compensation: $900/month stipend + performance bonus | Schedule: 15–20 hrs/week

🎥 Meet Your Manager

Hi, I’m Aisha, Head of Growth at OptiGrowth. In this two-minute Loom, I’ll show you our outbound process and the kind of projects you’ll own. Watch now →

🏢 Who We Are

OptiGrowth is a 22-person, venture-backed SaaS company helping 400+ e-commerce brands lift revenue through AI-driven conversion-rate optimization. We grew ARR from $0 → $3 M in 24 months by focusing on real customer outcomes, transparent pricing, and a “teach-everything-we-learn” culture.

🔍 What You’ll Do

  • Research and qualify mid-market leads in Shopify & BigCommerce niches

     

  • Personalize first-touch emails and LinkedIn messages (we’ll coach you)

     

  • Build segmented prospect lists in Apollo & HubSpot

     

  • Track outreach metrics and surface insights for weekly growth sprints

     

  • Prep slide decks and battle-cards for senior AE demos

     

🧠 What We’re Looking For

  • 6+ months in sales, growth, or marketing (another internship or project)

     

  • Strong written English; you know how to grab attention in 2–3 sentences

     

  • Comfortable with modern GTM tools (HubSpot, Apollo, Notion, Slack)

     

  • Curious, coachable, and unafraid to test new ideas quickly

     

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Monthly $50 learning stipend (books, courses, or conferences)

     

  • Async-first culture—work from anywhere, set your own study-friendly hours

     

  • MacBook Air (M2) shipped to you for the duration of the internship

     

  • Virtual team retreats every quarter

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll work side-by-side with our founder and Head of Growth, getting a front-row seat to how a seed-stage SaaS company builds pipeline from scratch. Expect rapid feedback loops, real ownership of experiments, and a clear path to a full-time BDR offer if we’re a mutual match.

📥 How to Apply

We hire for skill and curiosity using WorkScreen.io. Click below, complete a brief outbound-writing task, and we’ll update you at every step.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen

🌱 Template 2 – Job Description For Entry-Level / No-Experience Business Development Intern

📌 Job Title: Business Development Intern — Learn Sales & Partnerships at GreenSprout Analytics
📍 Location: Phoenix, AZ (office-first hybrid: 3 days onsite) | Type: Paid Internship | Duration: 10 Weeks
💸 Compensation: $16/hr + daily team lunch | Schedule: 25 hrs/week (flexible for classes)

🎥 Say Hello to Your Future Team

I’m Mateo, Partnerships Lead at GreenSprout Analytics. Here’s a 90-second video walking through our mission and how interns make an impact from week one. Watch →

🏢 Who We Are

GreenSprout Analytics turns raw sustainability data into actionable insights for mid-sized manufacturers. Founded in 2019 at Arizona State University, we’ve helped 120+ plants cut carbon emissions by 12 % on average. Our 18-person crew is passionate about climate tech, data storytelling, and mentoring the next generation of change-makers.

🎯 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Shadow reps on discovery calls and log key notes in Pipedrive

     

  • Research eco-friendly manufacturers and build target lists

     

  • Draft first-touch emails; test subject lines and report open-rate wins

     

  • Help prepare quarterly sustainability trend briefs for prospects

     

  • Coordinate calendars and confirm demo appointments

     

🧠 What We’re Looking For

  • Hungry to learn about climate tech, sales, and relationship building

     

  • Clear communicator who loves asking “why?”

     

  • Comfortable with spreadsheets; eager to pick up Pipedrive & Airtable

     

  • Reliable, organized, and proactively solves small problems before they grow

     

  • Bonus: Any club leadership, community service, or side project

     

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Daily catered vegetarian lunch when onsite

     

  • $500 education credit upon internship completion

     

  • Commuter stipend or free bike rental for local travel

     

  • Access to our industry mentors network + invitation to annual ClimateTech Summit

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll gain real-world exposure to how partnerships fuel a mission-driven startup—and walk away with a portfolio of outreach campaigns you actually created. We pride ourselves on coaching interns into confident, hire-ready SDRs by the end of the program.

📥 How to Apply

We respect your time and evaluate on merit. Apply via WorkScreen.io using the link below, complete a short writing prompt, and expect a response within five business days.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Breakdown of Why These Business Development Intern Job Posts Work

Here’s why the job posts you just read actually work—and how they’re different from the hundreds of bland templates online.

✅ 1. The Job Title Is Specific and Human

Instead of “Business Development Intern,” we used:

  • Business Development Intern (B2B SaaS) — Help Scale OptiGrowth’s Sales Pipeline

  • Business Development Intern — Learn Sales & Partnerships at GreenSprout Analytics

These titles give candidates context (what kind of company) and motivation (what they’ll do or learn). They speak to the candidate, not at them.

✅ 2. The Loom Video Builds Trust

Most job posts are faceless. But a short video from the hiring manager or team lead:

  • Makes the company feel real

  • Gives insight into your culture and leadership style

  • Increases application rates—especially among serious candidates

It’s a simple way to stand out and humanize your process.

✅ 3. The Company Overview Tells a Story

Instead of listing company facts, both job posts tell a story:

  • Where the company started

  • What it does (in plain English)

  • What it cares about

This helps candidates self-select. If they connect with your mission, they’ll be more invested from day one.

✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Framed Around Impact

Most job descriptions list tasks like a chore list. These posts show how each task contributes to:

  • Growth (e.g., “support the sales team with lead generation”)

  • Learning (e.g., “you’ll get feedback on your outreach copy”)

  • Company outcomes (e.g., “help qualify prospects that become real deals”)

This gives the role purpose—which is what attracts top interns.

✅ 5. Requirements Are Inclusive and Clear

  • The experienced template is specific but not rigid

  • The entry-level version encourages learners to apply—even if they don’t meet every point

This helps you attract both skill and potential—not just people who perfectly match the resume checklist.

✅ 6. Perks & Benefits Are Actually Useful

Instead of corporate jargon like “great culture” or “dynamic environment,” these posts include tangible benefits:

  • Learning stipends

  • Team lunches

  • Flexible hours

  • Mentorship

  • Equipment provided

This builds trust, shows appreciation, and signals that you’ve thought about their experience too.

✅ 7. Why This Role Is a Great Fit = The Pitch

This section is your chance to sell the role. You’re telling candidates:

  • What they’ll walk away with

  • What makes your internship different

  • How it fits into their career goals

It’s not fluff—it’s motivation.

✅ 8. WorkScreen-Powered Application Process

Instead of “Send your resume and we’ll get back to you,” the posts say:

  • You’ll be evaluated fairly

  • You’ll hear back promptly

  • You’ll do a short task that lets your skills shine

This builds trust and filters out low-effort applicants.

Example of a Bad Business Development Intern Job Description (And Why It Fails)

❌ Bad Job Post Example:

Job Title: Business Development Intern
Location: Remote
Type: Unpaid Internship
Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2025

Job Summary:
We are looking for a Business Development Intern to support the sales team and assist in lead generation and market research.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in identifying new business opportunities

     

  • Conduct market research

     

  • Support the team with outreach and follow-ups

     

  • Update CRM system as needed

     

Requirements:

  • Must be a current undergraduate student

     

  • Good communication and organizational skills

     

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office

     

  • Ability to work independently

     

How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to careers@companyname.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

🔎 Why This Job Post Falls Flat

  1. The Title Is Generic and Uninspiring
    “Business Development Intern” tells you what, but not who it’s for or why it matters. There’s no mention of industry, growth, or value—which means it blends in with every other listing.
  2. The Introduction Is Cold and Corporate
    A dry sentence like “support the sales team” doesn’t connect or inspire. There’s no personality, no story, and no reason for a candidate to care.
  3. There’s No Company Context or Mission
    Not a single sentence about what the company does, who they serve, or what their vision is. The reader doesn’t know who they’d be working for or why this opportunity exists.
  4. Responsibilities Are Vague and Passive
    These bullet points could apply to any internship. Nothing is explained in terms of impact, outcomes, or how it fits into the company’s goals.
  5. Requirements Are Rigid and Narrow
    This post only welcomes one type of applicant: a current student with basic admin skills. It ignores candidates with non-traditional paths or self-taught experience.
  6. No Mention of Benefits or Growth
    Even if it’s unpaid, the post should still highlight what the intern will gain—skills, mentorship, exposure to clients, training. This one doesn’t offer anything of value.
  7. The Application Process Feels Dismissive
    Ending with “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sets a poor tone. It makes the company seem distant and uninterested in giving candidates a good experience.

⚠ The Bottom Line:

This job post isn’t just boring—it’s expensive. It costs you attention, trust, and great candidates. If you want people who are proactive, curious, and mission-driven… this won’t attract them.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Even if your job description is already strong, here are a few bonus details that can make it truly magnetic to top candidates—especially for internships where trust and clarity matter most.

🛡️ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice

Job seekers are increasingly wary of fake job posts and scams. Including a short, trust-building statement at the bottom of your post signals credibility and professionalism.

✅ Example:

🔒 “We take the security and privacy of every applicant seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, financial information, or personal documents during any part of the hiring process.”

This sets the tone for a respectful, applicant-friendly experience.

🌴 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time (Even for Interns)

Most companies skip this for internships—but time flexibility is a huge perk for students and recent grads.

✅ Example:

“Need to balance school or other part-time work? No problem. We’re flexible on hours and offer up to 2 flex days off per month.”

Even if you don’t offer full PTO, show that you value their time and energy.

🎓 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

The #1 reason great interns apply? They want to learn.

✅ Example:

“You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship, hands-on experience with our sales tools, and access to $500 in learning credits for books, courses, or conferences.”

If you offer career coaching, exposure to leadership, or resume help—mention it. It shows you invest in people, not just productivity.

🎥 4. Include a Loom Video from the Hiring Manager

We said it before, but it’s worth repeating: video makes your post personal. Even a simple 60-second Loom from the team lead explaining what the intern will do can increase trust and application rates.

✅ Tip: Record it once and reuse it across job platforms. Tools like Loom, Vidyard, or even an unlisted YouTube link work great.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

🧩 5. Be Upfront About the Application Process

Job seekers hate black-box processes. Be clear about:

  • Whether there’s a short task or interview

     

  • When they’ll hear back

     

  • How many stages they should expect

     

✅ Example:

“We review every application within 3 business days. Shortlisted applicants will complete a short writing task via WorkScreen, followed by one interview with our growth lead.”

How to Use AI the Right Way When Writing Job Posts

Let’s be honest—AI tools make it incredibly easy to generate job descriptions with one click. Platforms like Workable, Manatal, and even ChatGPT can instantly spit out a list of duties and qualifications for just about any role.

But here’s the problem:

If you use AI blindly, you’ll get a job post that sounds like every other one out there.

It might save you time—but it will cost you quality candidates.

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

If you prompt ChatGPT with something like:

“Write a job description for a Business Development Intern at a startup.”

You’ll get a post that:

  • Is painfully generic

     

  • Lacks your company’s voice and mission

     

  • Doesn’t inspire or connect

     

  • Attracts low-effort, mass applicants

     

  • Says nothing meaningful about what makes your role unique

     

In other words, it’s forgettable.

✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI

AI works best when it has great ingredients to work with.

Before you generate anything, take 5–10 minutes to jot down:

  • What your company actually does

     

  • What this intern will learn and contribute

     

  • The tone or personality you want the job post to have (fun? serious? warm?)

     

  • Who the ideal candidate is—not just their resume, but their mindset

     

  • Any perks, salary, or cultural values you want to include

     

Then prompt it like this:

“Help me write a job description for our company, OptiGrowth. We’re hiring a Business Development Intern to support outbound sales campaigns. Our culture is fast-paced, async-first, and mentorship-driven. We want to attract curious, resourceful candidates who are interested in SaaS, outbound tools, and startup growth. We offer a $900/month stipend, a learning budget, and the opportunity for a full-time offer. Here are some notes I’ve written to get started [paste notes here]…”

Paste in your bullet points or rough draft—and let AI enhance your writing, not replace your thinking.

🧠 Pro Tip:

Once AI gives you a draft, ask it to:

  • Make the tone more conversational

     

  • Add clarity or remove jargon

     

  • Rewrite a section in your voice

     

  • Summarize the role’s impact in 2–3 plain-English sentences

     

Let AI be your writing assistant—not your copy-paste machine.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template

📌 Job Title: Business Development Intern — Help Us Grow at [Your Company Name]
📍 Location: [Remote / Onsite / Hybrid] | 💼 Type: Paid Internship | ⏰ Duration: [e.g. 3 months]
💸 Compensation: [$X/month or hourly rate] | Flexible hours

🎥 [Insert link to Loom video from hiring manager]

👋 About Us
At [Your Company], we’re building [brief description of what your company does—include mission or customer impact]. We’re a [team size]-person team focused on [industry or purpose]. We believe in [insert values: e.g. transparency, speed, learning, inclusion].

🎯 What You’ll Do

  • Research and qualify leads using tools like [LinkedIn / Apollo / HubSpot]

  • Draft and personalize cold emails or outreach messages

  • Organize CRM data and track engagement

  • Support discovery calls or client prep

  • Assist in market research or pitch deck creation

🧠 What We’re Looking For

  • Clear communicator (especially written)

  • Curious, proactive, and not afraid to ask questions

  • Bonus if you’ve worked on a side project, led a student club, or done customer-facing work

  • Prior experience in sales/marketing is great—but not required

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Learning stipend or mentorship sessions

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Remote-friendly (or free team lunch if onsite)

  • Letter of recommendation and portfolio support

🌟 Why This Role Is Worth It
You’ll get real-world experience in how startups grow, work side-by-side with the sales team, and walk away with resume-ready projects. We care about helping you build confidence and practical skills—not just checking boxes.

📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on skill and mindset—not just resumes. Click the link below, complete the short evaluation, and we’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

👉 [Insert your WorkScreen application link]

📋 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Template

Job Title: Business Development Intern at [company name]
Location: [e.g. Remote / New York City Office]
Duration: [e.g. 3–6 Months]
Type: Part-Time, Paid Internship
Compensation: [$X/month or hourly]

🎥 [Insert link to Loom video from hiring manager]

Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and curious Business Development Intern to support lead generation, outreach, and CRM management. This role is ideal for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in sales, marketing, and startup growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify and qualify leads through market research

  • Draft and schedule outreach emails

  • Maintain CRM data and track performance metrics

  • Assist with pitch materials and sales reports

  • Support the sales team with operational tasks

Requirements:

  • Strong written communication

  • Interest in business development, sales, or marketing

  • Organized and detail-oriented

  • Eager to learn and able to take initiative

  • Prior experience in a similar role (preferred but not required)

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

  • Mentorship from sales and growth leads

  • Paid internship + performance bonus

  • Potential for full-time offer

How to Apply:
Submit your application through WorkScreen.io to complete a short evaluation. We value real-world ability over resumes—and we’ll follow up with all candidates within 5 business days.

👉 [Insert application link]

What Happens After You Write a Great Job Post?

Writing a job post like this is step one. But what happens next?

If you publish your post and start getting 100+ resumes… how do you know who’s actually worth your time?

This is where WorkScreen.io comes in.

✅ WorkScreen helps you:

● Quickly identify your most promising candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—so you don’t waste time guessing. You instantly see who’s most aligned with the role, based on real skills and mindset.

● Easily administer one-click skill tests

Every applicant completes a short, role-specific evaluation. You get actionable data, not vague resumes or inflated LinkedIn profiles. It’s fast, fair, and based on what matters.

● Eliminate low-effort applicants

No more dealing with spammy AI-generated resumes, one-click applicants, or people who aren’t serious. WorkScreen filters out low-quality candidates and focuses your attention on the real ones—the ones who take the process seriously.

Whether you’re hiring your first intern or scaling a full GTM team, WorkScreen saves you hours of manual review and gives you confidence in every decision.

FAQ

When hiring a Business Development Intern, look for core traits rather than deep experience. These are the skills and qualities that matter most:

  • Strong written communication — especially for outbound messaging, cold emails, and CRM notes

  • Curiosity — they should be eager to understand your product, customers, and competitors

  • Persistence and follow-through — business development involves lots of repetition, tracking, and follow-up

  • Coachability — they should take feedback well and iterate fast

  • Basic tech fluency — familiarity with tools like LinkedIn, CRMs, or Google Sheets is a plus, but not required if they’re quick learners

You’re not looking for polished professionals. You’re looking for someone smart, hungry, and ready to grow.

It depends on your region, company size, and internship format (part-time vs full-time). But here’s a general benchmark:

  • United States:

    • Paid interns usually earn between $15–$25/hour

    • Monthly stipends typically range from $600 to $1,500/month

  • Remote/Global Startups:

    • Rates vary more widely—some offer $300–$900/month, especially in early-stage companies or in countries with lower costs of living

If you can’t offer high pay, offset it with mentorship, flexibility, training, or a clear path to a full-time offer.

Most internships last 3 to 6 months, depending on your hiring goals. A shorter program (6–10 weeks) can still work if it’s structured and goal-oriented—but make sure the intern has enough time to ramp up and contribute meaningfully.

While they sometimes overlap, here’s a simple way to differentiate:

  • Sales Intern: Typically focused on direct outreach, following scripts, or supporting active deals

  • Business Development Intern: Often more involved in lead research, market analysis, CRM updates, and supporting the full pipeline

In early-stage startups, the roles can blur—but framing the internship as “business development” often attracts more analytical, growth-oriented candidates.



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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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