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2027 Summer Corporate Intern - Marketing

Caterpillar · Peoria, IL · $22.50–$40.25 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a story or campaign you created. Who was it for, and how did you know it worked?

What they are checking: Whether they create with an audience in mind and look at results.

Tell me about a time you got critical feedback on your creative work.

What they are checking: Whether they can take feedback and improve without losing confidence.

What brand do you admire, and what would you borrow from it for Caterpillar?

What they are checking: Whether they think critically about branding and can apply ideas to an industrial company.

Tell me about a project where you had several deadlines at once. How did you manage it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay organized in a busy marketing team.

Why marketing at Caterpillar, and what do you know about how Cat reaches its customers?

What they are checking: Whether they have done homework on the company and have a specific interest.

What would you do

Show me how you think about brand consistency. What would you do if a dealer's ad did not match Cat brand standards?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect the brand while respecting the dealer relationship.

A stakeholder wants a flashy idea you think will hurt the brand. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can push back respectfully and offer better options.

About the work

How would you market a large mining truck differently from a small machine sold to a landscaper?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that different customers buy for very different reasons.

What design or content tools have you used, like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva?

What they are checking: Whether they can produce visual work themselves, since design skills are preferred for this role.

How would you use market research to decide what message a campaign should lead with?

What they are checking: Whether they ground creative choices in customer insight rather than personal taste.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Caterpillar from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Students and Graduates Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Job Summary Caterpillar offers a unique opportunity within our marketing organization to allow students to gain a wealth of real-world practical experience and establish core marketing competencies.  Marketing professionals across the enterprise help our dealers and customers succeed in their business through the promotion and selling of products and services, including market research and advertising to the industries we serve. Marketing Interns help shape and support our brand by creating compelling stories and customer experiences that are aligned to meet the needs of our business, enhance the power of our brand and maximize the value delivered to the Caterpillar enterprise and our end-user customers with visual and esthetic appeal. Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications or PR related degrees are preferred. Specialties within Marketing include but are not limited to: • Brand Management • Marketing Communications • Product and Technical Marketing • Customer Experience • Customer Insights • Marketing Strategy • Marketing Data Management • Marketing Technology Additional Info: • This is a full- time ( 40 hours per week) 12-week internship May 17 , 2027 – August 6 , 2027 (subject to change based on selected candidates schedule). • Locations for this internship could be Peoria, IL; Cary, NC; Houston, TX; Seguin, TX; Irving, TX; Tucson, AZ or other locations throughout the US What You Will Do: • Build foundational knowledge of Caterpillar, its products, services and customers. • Grow personally and professionally through soft skills development and hands-on technical training. • Collaborate with experts in product development, dealer management, marketing, and sales, etc. • Work in various rotational assignments throughout Caterpillar, learning strategy, services and products • Ultimately, manage assigned territory and serve as a connection between dealers and Caterpillar. What You Have: Customer Focus: Knowledge of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and ability to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions. Level Basic Understanding: • Focuses activities on developing and maintaining positive customer relationships. • Discusses general differences between internally and externally focused organizations. • Cites the cost and benefits of good versus poor customer service. • Explains why customer satisfaction is important to successful product/service delivery. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit , receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Basic Understanding: • Describes non-verbal behaviors that influence the interpretation of the message. • Cites examples of effective and ineffective communications. • Explains the importance of effective business communication. • Speaks/writes using correct language, mechanics, and gestures. Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating , and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Level Basic Understanding: • Explains the value of a disciplined approach to problem solving. • Describes problem reporting and escalation practices. • Utilizes accepted procedures for problem analysis and resolution. • Identifies key aspects of problem-solving techniques used in own area. Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers. Level Basic Understanding: • Provides examples of the characteristics of effective business relationships. • Identifies key business relationships in own organization. • Describes the nature of a productive business relationship. • Explains the benefits of building business partnerships. Program Qualifications: • Must be enrolled full time at a 4-year University/College in Marketing, Business, Graphic Design, Communications, PR, or related degree at the time of application and throughout the program • Must have completed 12 credit hours prior to the start of the program • Minimum 2.8 /4.0 cumulative GPA, no rounding • Must be able to relocate to internship location for the duration of the internship and complete daily commute using reliable transportation Top Candidates Will Also Have: • Previous experience/ demonstrated abilities in Project Management • Previous industry and/or marketing operations experience is highly valued • Strong initiative, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills • Strong presentation skills • Highly organized • Previous experience/level of proficiency within the following areas: • Construction Equipment • Mining Equipment • Diesel Equipment • Natural Gas Engines • On-Highway Trucks Summary Pay Range: $22.50 - $40.25 Intern Hourly Rate: An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship. Intern Benefits: The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible: • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Paid Volunteer Day • Housing Stipend • Relocation Assistance • Medical coverage • Voluntary benefits This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: August 28, 2026 - November 13, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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