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Madison Shares Her Career Path
From Intern To Associate: Take a Career Path Journey With Madison McDonald
Madison Shares Her Career Path
From Intern To Associate: Take a Career Path Journey With Madison McDonald
Communications Intern to Communications Business Partner
As a part of our People First culture, we’re committed to giving Associates the tools necessary to succeed, as well as rewarding winning performance. For Associates who are ready to take the next step in their career, we also want to provide them with the opportunities to do so. Madison McDonald’s journey as a Communications Business Partner is just one example of the many career paths available at SpartanNash.
Madison started at SpartanNash as a Communications Intern. We asked Madison to share a little about how she made the transition from intern to Communications Business Partner.
Why did you decide to take on a new challenge after your first role?
I loved working for SpartanNash! From day one of my internship, I knew I was going to learn and grow at this company. The work I got to do in my internship alone – from creating an intern recruiting video that lived on our website, to breaking a Guinness World Record – showed me that both SpartanNash and the Communications Team cared about making me better. I knew this would continue as I transitioned to full-time.
How did you feel about the change?
Like any change, it was nerve-wracking but rewarding. I was excited to start a new post-grad chapter and continue with SpartanNash. I’ve had opportunities and experiences I never would have had if I didn’t choose to work at SpartanNash. I often tell people that the thing I love most about this job is that every day is different – every day I get to help others communicate something that I’ve never done before. I’m always learning.
How did you get to your current role?
Towards the end of my internship, I was presented with the opportunity to move to a full-time role on the Internal Communications team. From there, the Communications Business Partner role was created, and I began to help support multiple functions with their internal communications needs.
What did you learn in the transition(s) between roles?
There is certainly a shift when moving from an intern role to a full-time role. I started to own projects and have more responsibility. I had the opportunity to be a part of the first early in career development program, which taught me a lot of tips for professional development.
What advice would you share with anyone looking to take the next step in their career at SpartanNash?
- Get out of your comfort zone and say YES! It can feel scary, especially early in your career, but saying yes to the opportunities thrown your way is the best way to learn and grow.
- Work hard and ask questions. You’ll never regret putting your best effort into your work and seeking clarity to ensure you’re doing so. People will notice.
- Network and build strong relationships with your colleagues. You’ll be a better business partner because of it. You never know where those connections will take you.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Try to start each day with a positive mindset – and find passion in the work that you do!
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At SpartanNash, people matter. We want to hire and retain talented individuals, then help them succeed with our Careers for a Better Life. If that’s you, let’s find your next role at our food solutions company.
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