Landing the Salesforce Internship - the Freshman Experience

In July 2021, I visited San Francisco for the first time while visiting a handful of universities in the Bay Area. I recall strolling through Salesforce Park with my family, walking through the luscious floating utopia while cooling off from the summer heat in the shadow of Salesforce Tower. At the time, I had no idea what Salesforce was, and I definitely would not have foreseen myself as an employee in this ultramodern obelisk that stretched into the clouds. Fast forward one university year, one application, and three interviews later, I find myself sitting on the top floor of the Tower, reflecting on the path that led me here.

For the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of working for Salesforce as an intern at its headquarters in San Francisco. I am part of the Data Insights & Scalability team in Salesforce’s Revenue Operations group, drawing insights from vast datasets to guide business decisions and scale our operations. This internship has been an incredible, fulfilling experience that I would highly recommend to any young individual who is looking to grow both technically and personally. Drawing on not just my own perspective but those of my recruiter and hiring manager, here’s a glimpse of what I did between leaving the Tower as a tourist and returning as an intern.

Build Your Resume

As a first-year student with limited work experience, standing out amongst upperclassman applicants with impressive internships, co-ops, and relevant projects was a massive challenge. According to my recruiter, a standout resume will showcase an academic background that aligns with the role, highlight extracurricular leadership, and ideally include previous professional experience (though not strictly necessary). Here’s a breakdown of how I believe my resume played a crucial role in shaping how my candidacy was considered.

Academic Background

Given that I applied for a technical role requiring fluency in data-driven analysis and problem-solving, my major in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research and my minor in Data Science were clear indicators that I was building transferrable skills in the classroom that I could leverage as an intern. Both of these fields of study are incredibly technical and demonstrated that I could quickly grasp complex quantitative concepts in an academic environment, a skill that I could replicate in a professional one.

Extracurricular Leadership

Recruiters understand that university applicants don’t always have professional experience, so they look for something else - leadership on campus. My recruiter noted that my position as a Director in my school’s chapter of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) showcased my ability to effectively collaborate with others, lead projects, and address challenges in a professional setting.

Professional Experience

As I settled into my first-year classes and clubs, I sought a new challenge to test my skills in a professional environment. During my second semester, I secured a position as the youngest-ever intern in a high-growth EdTech startup, where I worked directly with the CEO to impact the platform’s short-term growth strategy. My recruiter recognized the value of working closely with top-level leadership, a unique opportunity that shaped me into a candidate poised to make meaningful contributions to a dynamic organization like Salesforce

Build Your Network

“Your network is your net worth.” If you’re reading this article on Linkedin, I’m sure you’ve heard this more times than you can count. We often hear stories of applicants securing jobs or opportunities through friends and colleagues, which I’m sure is a great way to mobilize one’s connections. In my case, however, I sought something slightly different from my network - knowledge. To prepare for my interviews, I reached out to close friends and complete strangers alike to learn as much as possible about the tools relevant to the job. Thanks to the generous support and insights from my friends and mentors at Meta, Spotify, and other established tech giants, I was able to gather everything I needed to excel in my interviews.

The moral of my story is simple: invest in building and nurturing your network early. When you dig that well of connections, it will be beneficial in times of need and ultimately reward you in ways beyond imagination. Seize every chance to learn from those around you because the knowledge you gain from them will be an invaluable asset throughout your professional journey.

Build Your Case

While having a strong resume and a vast network can get your foot in the door, it's equally crucial to build your case during interviews to demonstrate why you are a great fit for both the role and the company. Drawing on comments from my hiring manager, here are some key strategies I employed to effectively communicate my value during the interview process:

Research, Research, Research

Before each interview, I invested time and effort into thoroughly researching Salesforce, its products, culture, and recent achievements. Understanding the company's mission and values helped me align my experiences and skills with what the organization was looking for in an intern. This research allowed me to tailor my responses and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the company and the role I was applying for.

Emphasize Relevant Skills and Experiences

During the interviews, I strategically highlighted the specific skills and experiences from my resume that directly related to the internship's requirements. I drew connections between my coursework, extracurricular activities, and previous work experiences to showcase how they had prepared me to excel in the Data Insights & Scalability team. By emphasizing my technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and leadership experiences, I painted a comprehensive picture of how I could contribute effectively to Salesforce's goals.

Demonstrate Curiosity and Passion

Finally, I made a conscious effort to convey my enthusiasm for the internship and my eagerness to contribute meaningfully to Salesforce. My hiring manager was specifically looking for an intern who demonstrated curiosity and a genuine thirst for learning. By displaying my passion for data analytics, technology, and personal growth, I showed that I was not only capable but also eager to make a positive impact during my internship.

Closing Insights

It’s our willingness to step out of our comfort zones, leverage every available resource, and absorb knowledge from those around us that can turn dreams into reality. My journey with Salesforce has been a transformative one, and I encourage others to embrace the journey of growth and discovery that awaits them as they navigate their own paths toward fulfilling careers. With the right mindset, determination, and support, the possibilities are limitless.