Intelligent Employment | Sales Development Intern

Intelligent Employment | Sales Development Intern Role Structure: Fixed 3-6 month contract 30-hour work week with flexibility to accommodate studies About IE IE is a specialised recruitment and growth partner working with companies shaping the future of Deep Tech, Climate Tech, Clean Energy and advanced industrial innovation. We support organisations across renewable energy, energy storage, AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and other technologies driving the global transition. Based in Helsinki, our team works internationally across the Nordics and Europe, with colleagues from Finland, the UK and France collaborating closely across markets and disciplines. We are a fast-moving, ambitious environment built on care, trust and courage — where people learn quickly, take ownership, and develop real commercial capability from day one. The Opportunity We are looking for an ambitious Sales Development Intern to join us on a 3–6 month fixed-term contract. This opportunity is especially suited for AMK (University of Applied Sciences) students looking to complete a practical internship as part of their studies while gaining real commercial experience in an international B2B environment. The role is designed specifically to fit alongside university studies. Ideally, the role would involve a 30-hour working week (6 hours per day, 5 days per week), though we are flexible and open to discussing different schedules depending on your studies and availability. Ideally, we would like the successful candidate to start at the beginning of September. However, we are flexible and happy to accommodate study schedules where needed. This role focuses strongly on outbound business development and client acquisition. You will work directly with senior consultants to identify new business opportunities, build relationships with potential clients, and support the commercial growth of IE across Nordic and European markets. You will gain hands-on experience in modern B2B sales, recruitment and headhunting within an international environment, learning how to approach decision-makers, build structured outreach campaigns, creating commercial conversations and generate new business opportunities in highly specialised technical markets. If you are looking for real commercial experience, not just observation, but genuine hands-on execution, this role will give you exactly that. What You’ll Be Doing Proactive outreach via phone, LinkedIn, email and other sales channels Engaging potential new clients and identifying commercial opportunities Supporting sales meeting generation and pipeline development Building targeted prospect lists and structured outreach campaigns Developing your personal brand, LinkedIn presence and professional network Identifying market trends, hiring activity and new business signals Working with CRM systems to track outreach activity and progress Collaborating closely with senior consultants and marketing to support client acquisition What You’ll Gain Hands-on experience in B2B sales and business development Direct exposure to senior decision-makers across Europe Practical training in outreach, commercial communication, objection handling and pipeline building Close coaching and daily feedback from experienced commercial professionals Experience working in an international, cross-border team environment A strong foundation for a career in sales, recruitment, consulting or commercial roles Opportunity to grow into a longer-term role within IE based on performance and business needs Exposure to future-focused industries such as AI, SpaceTech, Data Centres, Renewable Energy and Cybersecurity What We Offer Fixed monthly salary of 1000€ + uncapped performance bonus Epassi lunch benefit Reduced 30-hour working week designed to support work-life balance and studies Flexible, modern working environment Supportive, ambitious and high-performance team culture International exposure across Nordic and European markets Real responsibility and ownership from day one Who You Are We are not looking for perfect CVs, we are looking for the right mindset. You are likely someone who: Is currently studying in an AMK / University of Applied Sciences programme Is looking for a practical internship opportunity connected to your studies Has strong ambition and wants to build a career in sales, recruitment or business Is proactive, resilient and comfortable communicating with new people every day Learns quickly and thrives on feedback and improvement Is comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things Has strong communication skills in English Speaks either Finnish or Swedish fluently Is interested in technology, innovation and how businesses grow Previous sales experience is not required, but curiosity, drive and energy are essential. Departments Commercial, Sales, & Customer Success Locations Helsinki, Finland Remote status Hybrid