Add Row
Add Element
cropper
update

TALENT PULSE NEWS

update
Add Element
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Talent Acquisition Trends
    • Culture & Engagement
    • Employer Branding & Candidate Experience
    • Hiring Tools & HR Tech
    • Policy & Workforce Law
    • Employee Resource Group News
    • Featured
August 21.2025
2 Minutes Read

From Intern to CEO: How Internships Shape Future Leaders

Diverse business professionals representing interns to CEOs success


The Rise of Former Interns: A Path to Leadership

Many dream of landing a job that aligns with their aspirations. Yet, few realize that some of the world's most recognizable companies value interns as the training ground for tomorrow's leaders. Recent news highlighted Michael Fiddelke's promotion from intern to CEO at Target, set to take effect in February 2026. His ascent epitomizes a growing trend of companies selecting their top executives from the ranks of former interns.

Firms that Nurture Talent From the Ground Up

Fiddelke is not alone; others such as Elliott Hill of Nike and Mary Barra of General Motors have also risen through the ranks from intern positions to leading their firms. Hill returned to Nike, where he first began his journey as an apparel sales intern in 1988. After a brief retirement, he stepped into the CEO role, signifying long-term commitment and understanding that adds value to a brand.

The Importance of a Robust Internship Program

Organizations that cultivate strong internship programs not only enhance their employee value proposition (EVP), but they also streamline the journey from intern to CEO. These relationships are reflective of an employer’s branding strategy, where former interns often serve as brand ambassadors. Utilizing platforms like Glassdoor strategically helps to showcase these success stories, providing genuine insights into the company's culture and motivating potential interns and candidates during their career journeys.

Actionable Insights for Today's Employers

Investing in an effective internship program can yield significant returns. Companies should focus on optimizing their career sites to resonate with the experiences of former interns. Highlighting success stories, especially from those who have progressed to leadership roles, not only enhances reputation management but also establishes a compelling narrative around the employee journey. Employers are encouraged to emphasize positive onboarding experiences and integrate these stories into their social recruiting strategies.

Embracing Intern Growth for Future Success

The path from intern to executive is not just about filling roles but is indicative of a deeper connection between talent and organizational goals. As companies evolve, tapping into the power of the candidate journey and the value of intern experiences can pave the way for sustained success. By prioritizing the growth of their interns, organizations position themselves to not only foster future leaders but to draw in new talent eager to learn and eventually lead.


Employer Branding & Candidate Experience

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
10.09.2025

Sibling Entrepreneurs Redefine Women's Health Through Innovation and Teamwork

Update How Sibling Entrepreneurs Reinvent Women’s Health Bobby and Brianna Bitton are not just siblings; they are a dynamic duo pioneering women's health solutions through their startup, O Positiv. Drawing on their upbringing and personal experiences, they designed products that cater to women's unique health challenges. Their story is not just about entrepreneurship; it's about finding purpose in personal struggles and turning them into a business opportunity. The Foundation of Entrepreneurial Spirit Raised in a family where creativity and entrepreneurship were encouraged, both Bobby and Brianna learned the value of self-sufficiency early on. Their parent's backgrounds—Bobby’s father in interior design and his mother an inventor—created an environment that nurtured innovative thinking. This educational background prompted them to collaborate on a product during their childhood that, while unsuccessful, prepared them for future ventures. The Gender Health Gap: A Growing Opportunity Brianna's health issues catalyzed the inception of O Positiv. Recognizing a lack of proactive, natural approaches to women's hormonal health, they aimed to fill that void in the market. Their journey mirrors that of other female entrepreneurs seeking to address specific health concerns. For instance, a recent startup called Aster has raised $2.4 million to improve prenatal care, particularly for Black women, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions in women's healthcare. Why Sibling Dynamics Work in Business The close sibling relationship between Bobby and Brianna enables them to balance each other's strengths and weaknesses effectively. With Bobby's grounded business acumen and Brianna's personal insight into health issues, their distinct roles are meticulously defined. This not only legitimizes their brand in the eyes of consumers but also fosters an environment where transparency, accountability, and strong communication thrive, essential for startup success. Building a Sustainable Future in Women’s Health Their journey exemplifies a growing trend in women's health innovation. Similar initiatives, such as the $10 million donation for the Vijayalakshmi Innovation Center at the University of Pittsburgh, reflect an increasing acknowledgment of women's health issues at a systemic level. With ongoing collaborations, like the partnership with Aster, the potential for significant advancements in healthcare targeted toward women is more promising than ever. For employers—especially those involved in health tech and recruiting marketers—these developments underscore the importance of an inclusive employee value proposition (EVP) that reflects a commitment to supporting women in both their health journeys and professional endeavors. The experiences of Bobby and Brianna Bitton, along with the success of other women-led initiatives, serve as powerful case studies in recognizing and addressing underrepresented needs in the healthcare market. Call to Action: Embrace Innovative Talent Solutions As the landscape of women's health evolves, professionals in employer branding and recruiting should take note of these burgeoning companies and consider how their principles can inform talent acquisition strategies. Leveraging stories like Bobby and Brianna's can enrich an organization's outreach and onboarding experience, creating a more engaging candidate journey while highlighting the company's commitment to innovation and diversity in health care.

10.02.2025

Spotify's Dual CEOs: Insights from Netflix's Successful Co-Leadership Approach

Explore the co-CEO model's impact on leadership, as Spotify adopts this innovative approach following Netflix's success.

10.01.2025

What is Corporate Loyalty Worth to Employees Today?

Explore the evolving landscape of corporate loyalty and its implications for employee engagement and retention strategies.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*