From Internship to Full-Time at FedEx: A Journey of Perseverance

Tell us about your path from graduation to your current job.

I secured a summer internship at FedEx as a Strategy and Analytics intern, which led to a full-time offer. This hands-on internship exposed me to real-world business challenges, such as forecasting call volumes for customer care. The Data Science fundamentals I learned at Smith were invaluable in this work. On the morning of my final presentation, I was informed that due to budget and sponsorship issues, a full-time offer was not possible. Despite the news, I presented my project enthusiastically to Senior VPs and Directors. Later that day, while on a long run processing my disappointment, I received calls from my manager and a fellow intern saying the VPs had been impressed and decided to extend the offer after all. It was a rare moment, as my manager shared that he’d never seen anything like it happen before. This experience taught me the importance of giving my best and trusting in my work. In the end, it was an emotional rollercoaster but a rewarding journey.

Why did you decide to get a business degree and why did you choose the Smith School? 

After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Software Engineer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the networking domain. Although the role was well-paying, I felt disconnected from the broader impact of my work, as I focused solely on technical development without visibility into its business effects. I wanted a career closer to business decision-making, which led me to pursue a business degree with a concentration in Analytics. The Smith School was my top choice because of its strong focus on data-driven business education and its top-ranked MS in Information Systems program.

How has your Smith education helped you with your professional career?  Were there specific classes, experiential projects, team projects, or internships that have been especially helpful to you? 

Pursuing a degree at the Smith School has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has shaped me into a confident professional with a global outlook ready to tackle business challenges. The school provided countless opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing me to come out of my shell and embrace new experiences. Serving as VP of Administration at the Smith Information Systems Association, I gained valuable leadership skills by organizing workshops for Information Systems students alongside fellow elected members. Another impactful experience was the Maryland Global Consulting program, where I worked with students from various programs to conduct market research and develop a global expansion strategy for a client, giving me real-world consulting experience. Additionally, the coursework has been instrumental in building skills that I apply daily. Professor John Bono’s Python class, Professor Sujin Kim’s Data Models and Decisions class, and Professor Jessica Clark’s Data Mining class taught me essential data skills for solving business problems, while Professor Siva Viswanathan and Professor Tejwansh (Tej) Singh’s classes on Managing Digital Business Markets and Digital Transformation provided a robust understanding of digital business landscapes. Professor Siva Viswanathan, in particular, inspired my passion for the subject with his engaging and thought-provoking lectures.

What about your personal journey has led to your success? 

I am an ambitious and firm believer in hard work. I make it a point to show up, be proactive, and seize new opportunities that interest me, recognizing that not everyone is fortunate to have these chances. This approach helps me step out of my comfort zone and tackle the unknown, often finding that challenges aren’t as daunting as they first seem. I thrive on new challenges, and if I’m not working on something demanding, I feel I’m not making meaningful progress. A blend of these qualities—along with a strategic approach to career planning—has been key to my success.

Is there something about your professional journey that people would find surprising? 

While it may not be surprising, people often underestimate the impact of networking on one’s career—something I learned firsthand. My network, especially Smith alumni have played a significant role in helping me achieve my professional goals. Like many, I was initially unsure about the industries and roles I wanted to pursue. Conversations with alumni in various fields helped me gain clarity and direction. Additionally, these connections sometimes led to referrals when opportunities arose within their companies.

What advice would you give to current students? 

My advice is to make the most of the opportunities the school offers and not to worry too much about failure. School is a safe space to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. You won’t get this experience again, so embrace it fully and take away as much as you can. I’m confident that this mindset will set you up for success in your careers.