MBA Marketing Intern

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