Unlocking Career Pathways: Food Lion's Internship Program Paves the Way for Aspiring Professionals

Mocksville resident Brad Parsley's journey from a summer intern to the director of finance at Food Lion serves as a testament to the transformative power of the company's internship program. In honor of National Intern Day, Parsley reflects on his 22-year career and the opportunities he's now paying forward to the next generation of aspiring professionals.

Empowering Interns, Cultivating Future Leaders

From Intern to Executive: A Remarkable Career Trajectory

Brad Parsley's career at Food Lion began in the summer of 2001 when he landed an internship in the accounting department, despite having no formal finance background. Parsley, an applied mathematics major at N.C. State University, quickly adapted to the role and made such an impressive impact that he was invited back for a second summer internship in the treasury department in 2002. This initial exposure to the company's operations and culture set the stage for Parsley's remarkable career journey.After earning his bachelor's degree in the fall of 2002, Parsley was hired full-time as a financial analyst, marking the beginning of his long-standing career with the organization. Over the years, he seamlessly transitioned through various departments, including treasury, investment analysis, and pricing, before being named the director of finance in 2017. Each of these experiences allowed Parsley to showcase his adaptability and problem-solving skills, attributes that have been instrumental in his professional growth.

Fostering a Supportive and Inclusive Culture

Parsley attributes his success to the supportive and open culture at Food Lion, where leaders genuinely know and value their associates. "My career path is a testament to the supportive and open culture at Food Lion, where leaders genuinely know and value associates," he said. This nurturing environment has enabled Parsley to thrive and has inspired him to pay it forward by mentoring interns in his department.

Internships as a Talent Pipeline

Parsley recognizes the immense value of the internship program, viewing it as a pipeline for identifying and cultivating future talent. "I like having internships as a pipeline. It's a great way to give someone experience and, sometimes, join the company," he said. By providing interns with hands-on experience and the opportunity to showcase their skills, Food Lion is able to identify and attract the best and brightest individuals to join their team.

Fulfillment in Mentorship and Problem-Solving

Parsley finds great fulfillment in his role as a mentor to interns, guiding them and helping them make better decisions. "I love my job and the variety it brings. Helping others make better decisions and solving complex problems is fulfilling," he said. This commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals not only benefits the interns but also enriches Parsley's own experience, as he continues to grow and learn alongside the individuals he mentors.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Professionals

Parsley's journey from intern to executive serves as an inspiration for young professionals starting their careers. His story underscores the opportunities that Food Lion's internship program can provide, demonstrating that with hard work, adaptability, and a supportive company culture, individuals can unlock a world of possibilities and achieve remarkable career success.