Sales & Business Development Intern
ECR Research, Utrecht | Full-time | Minimum 20 weeks
Learn the core of sales by doing it
Build a skill AI can’t replace: winning the trust of senior decision-makers, one conversation at a time.
Do you want an internship where you learn how new business is actually won? At ECR Research, you’ll spend much of your day on the phone with senior decision-makers in the financial industry. It’s challenging, it’s real, and it’s the fastest way to build sales and communication skills you’ll use for the rest of your career. It’s also a future-proof skill: AI can write emails, but it can’t build trust on the phone with a CFO. You won’t be doing it alone: you’ll get coaching and feedback every day.
About us
Since 1979, ECR Research has grown into one of Europe’s leading independent research providers. Professional investors, bankers and board members across Europe use our research, and more than 3,500 professionals read it worldwide. Convincing these high-level professionals takes skill and persistence, but our strategy works and we keep growing. We’re a team of 30 colleagues working from a modern office in the centre of Utrecht, above the Bijenkorf.
What you’ll actually do
Calling is at the heart of this internship. You’ll learn business acquisition from the ground up: how to start a conversation, find out what a prospect needs, handle objections and turn interest into a meeting. Your first calls might feel uncomfortable. Everyone’s do. After a few weeks, you’ll be surprised by how confident you’ve become.
Your activities include:
- Calling prospects every day, including cold calls and warm leads from our marketing team
- Booking online demo meetings for our senior account managers with CFOs and Chief Investment Officers
- Qualifying leads and following up until you get a clear yes or no
- Researching target companies and decision-makers with LinkedIn and other online tools
- Supporting email and LinkedIn campaigns that generate new leads
- Keeping prospect records up to date in Sugar CRM
- Learning to give your own product demonstrations to potential clients
Who you are
We’re looking for an ambitious HBO student (Bachelor or AD), preferably in business, sales or a related field. You:
- Want to learn how to get things done and aren’t afraid to pick up the phone
- Can hear “no” without losing your energy, and try again
- Communicate well in English (Dutch isn’t required)
- Work hard, focus on results and want to improve every week
- Enjoy a fast-paced, professional and international environment
- Are available for at least 20 weeks. The start date is flexible.
What we offer
- An internship allowance of €600 per month (full-time)
- A performance bonus on top of your allowance
- Daily coaching and feedback, including call reviews and tips from experienced account managers
- A future-proof skill: persuading people by phone is something AI can’t take over
- Insights into financial markets and access to high-level research
- The chance to grow into a Junior Account Manager role after your internship
- A young, international team with Friday drinks and a great office atmosphere
- A modern office in the heart of Utrecht
Ready to kickstart your sales career?
We’d love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a short motivation letter.
