Business Development Intern

Job Description:

Situated in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, Rakuten Asia Pte. Ltd. is Rakuten's Asia Regional headquarters. Established in August 2012 as part of Rakuten's global expansion strategy, Rakuten Asia comprises various businesses that provide essential value-added services to Rakuten's global ecosystem. Through advertisement product development, product strategy, and data management, among others, Rakuten Asia is strengthening Rakuten Group's core competencies to take the lead in an increasingly digitalized world.

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses, and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications to approximately 1.7 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has nearly 32,000 employees and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/

Summary

A Business Development Intern of the Marketing Cloud Group is crucial to support and execute Business Development projects including preparing marketing materials for pitching, approaching clients, market research to target market segments, and sales operations.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development initiatives from conception to execution, encompassing market analysis, client engagement, and sales operations.
• Drive AI-enabled business improvement by identifying automation opportunities, piloting productivity tools, and scaling solutions that enhance team efficiency and decision-making.
• Develop and refine marketing collateral for client presentations and pitching, ensuring alignment with target market segments.
• Contribute to strategic pricing projects by analyzing bundling models and simulating options to optimize business performance.
• Actively participate in the full sales cycle, including securing appointments, conducting pitches, overseeing project implementation and seamless delivery through coordination with stakeholders, and supporting next fiscal year budget planning and funding.
• Support overall team operations to ensure efficiency and collaboration.

Requirements

• Inquisitive, proactive, and passionate about picking up knowledge in business development, sales, marketing, and the software industry.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools in everyday life, with curiosity to apply them to research, learning, and team projects (familiarity with MCP integrations is an advantage).
• Ability to work effectively as an independent individual and with the wider team across APAC.
• Meticulous with a keen eye for detail and distinctive analytical skills.
• Self-starter who thinks independently, identifies next steps, and takes action without waiting for detailed instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite with excellent command of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Availability for the internship period: Apr 2027 onwards

Rakuten is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of sex, marital status, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious belief, or age.