Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.
The Graco Intern Program offers more than just work experience—it's a chance to make an impact. As an intern, you'll take on projects that matter to the business, contribute to initiatives that drive progress, and develop skills that prepare you for what's ahead. Throughout the program, you'll expand your industry knowledge, collaborate with professionals who are passionate about doing things the right way, and experience a culture that thrives on new ideas and continual growth. You'll also take part in events designed to support both your learning and personal development. The program concludes with a final presentation where you'll showcase your achievements and the difference you've made.
The purpose of this position is to provide immersive, strategic-level experience within Graco's Category Marketing team. At Graco, Category Marketing focuses on understanding and growing specific customer segments and industries (often referred to as market verticals), helping the business identify opportunities, understand customer needs, and shape strategies that drive growth.
In this role, the intern will lead a defined strategic project for an assigned customer segment under the mentorship of the Director of Category Marketing. The intern will leverage market research, Voice of Customer (VOC) insights, competitive analysis, and go-to-market strategy to address a real business challenge. The experience culminates in the development and presentation of a strategic recommendation to Graco's Executive Leadership Team.
This internship is designed for MBA candidates seeking a long-term career in category marketing, product marketing, strategic marketing, or general management.
Program Structure
This summer internship is centered on a high-value strategic project that addresses a real business opportunity or challenge within an assigned category and which has the potential to shape future growth initiatives. The project is supplemented by exposure to the broader category marketing function and close collaboration with cross-functional partners, including product management, channel marketing, corporate marketing, and sales. The internship culminates in a strategic recommendation presented to senior internship.
What You Will Do at Graco
Strategic Project Experience
- Lead a high-impact strategic project focused on a real business opportunity or challenge within an assigned customer segment or industry.
- Work closely with a Category Marketing leader to define the project scope, conduct analysis, and develop recommendations.
- Apply market research, customer insights, and business strategy concepts to address a meaningful business question.
- Develop and present a final recommendation to senior leaders at the conclusion of the internship.
Market and Customer Insights
- Conduct market, customer, and competitive research to better understand industry trends and customer needs.
- Analyze Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback and other data sources to identify key insights and opportunities.
- Learn how customer and market insights are used to shape busness and marketing strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with teams across product management, sales, channel marketing, and corporate marketing
- Gain exposure to how strategy is developed and translated into product launches, marketing campaigns, and commercial execution.
- Coordinate with internal subject matter experts to validate research findings and assumptions.
- Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and business discussions to better understand Graco's growth strategy.
Professional Development
- Build skills in strategic thinking, business analysis, executive communication, and problem solving.
- Receive coaching and mentorship from experienced marketing leaders throughout the internship.
- Develop and deliver a professional executive-level presentation summarizing project findings and recommendations.
- Other duties and learning opportunities as assigned.
What You Will Bring to Graco
- Currently pursuing an MBA, with an expected graduation date within 12–18 months of the internship
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field
- Prior experience in marketing, business strategy, or vertical-specific market development (internship or professional) preferred
- Team collaborator with experience working in multi-functional or global team settings
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and synthesize VOC insights and market research into clear recommendations
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including comfort presenting to senior leadership
- Ability to manage ambiguity and drive a project forward with limited day-to-day direction
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).
At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.
Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco's comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Pay: $21.00 - $28.00
