Southwestern Internship

Southwestern Company occupies a distinctive space in the direct-selling industry by offering college students a program that gives them real-world sales and business-ownership opportunities. Dating back to 1855, Southwestern Company began working with students in 1868, in the aftermath of the Civil War. Among other endeavors, the firm sells reference products, books, and software, geared toward families. Thousands of students participate in the Southwestern Internship part of Southwestern Company’s Summer Work Program. Students readily admit the work is hard, but for those who enjoy challenge and character growth, the program yields many benefits.

With Southwestern Company, students earn as much as their efforts can produce. Southwestern Company operates four to five months out of the year, with student dealers acting as a mobile sales force. During the school year, these students, now independent contractors, recruit new prospects to their teams. Prior to the program, Southwestern Company trains students through the firm’s Sales School, a weeklong seminar on business practices, ethics, sales presentations, and success principles.

In 1994, Southwestern Company began international operations by opening an office in Bristol, United Kingdom. Today, Southwestern Company maintains membership in numerous business associations, including the Chamber of Commerce in Bristol and in the firm’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

The company also affiliates with the National Association of Colleges and Employers in the U.S. and the Association of Graduate Recruiters in England. Southwestern Company holds a membership in the Direct Selling Association, and adheres to the group’s Code of Ethics. The rules state that members will make no misleading statements or promises that may mislead consumers or prospective sales staff. In the United Kingdom, Southwestern Company’s British counterpart meets the consumer code of practice instituted by the Office of Fair Trading.