I went from intern to VP of human resources at FedEx services. Here are my 4 tips for turning an internship into a dream career.

Advertisement

1. Consume

1. Consume

It all starts with a goal. Once you decide the goal, you consume all the information necessary to achieve that goal. Information is in the palm of your hands — what you know matters.

Advertisement

2. Connect

2. Connect

Create opportunities to share your knowledge. Networking becomes a lot easier when you have something of value to share. Connect the dots between what you know and what others need.

Advertisement

3. Communicate

3. Communicate

Create a narrative around your goals and be able to purposefully communicate. People don't always remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Learn to galvanize people through storytelling and they will follow.

4. Coach

4. Coach

As you continue to build connections, create an environment that consistently coaches others forward. Incite service within your community of peers. By giving back, you propel yourself forward.

I'll never forget the connection I made that day in high school. The INROADS advisor had simply questioned me on my grades and attendance, but it showed me that I had much more to give. Eventually I was able to leverage C-4, which not only guided me through my internship at FedEx, but enabled me to turn that internship into my career.

Chris L. Winton is the vice president of human resources for FedEx Services. Throughout his 18 years with FedEx, he has successfully held multiple leadership positions including the Director of IT Command Center. He has served on the Southeast Board of Directors for INROADS, Inc., Memphis Challenge, and the Local Workforce Investment Network. In 2014, Chris was recognized by the Memphis Business Journal as a "Top 40 Leader under 40" for his body of work, including programs such as Teach for America and TechHire. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Advertisement