From Internship to Full-time: Launching a Customer Success Career at Salesforce India

At Salesforce, internships go beyond learning—they serve as the foundation for building a successful career. Lasya Priya Karuturi's journey is a perfect example of how an internship can evolve into a rewarding full-time role in Customer Success.

A Passion for Technology

Lasya, a Computer Science graduate with a passion for solving problems and mastering new technologies since childhood inspired by her uncle, who used to work as a professor and Head of research & development, joined Salesforce as an intern in 2023. With a mindset rooted in curiosity and innovation, Lasya quickly expanded her skill set and made valuable contributions to the team.

Hands-on Learning During the Internship

During her internship as an Associate Technical Support Engineer in the CRM Analytics team, Lasya’s role was centered around supporting customers using Salesforce’s Sales Cloud. She was responsible for diagnosing and resolving CRM Analytics issues, improving reporting capabilities, and refining dashboard functionalities. One of her key projects involved optimizing analytics workflows, which greatly improved reporting performance and provided customers with better insights. This practical, hands-on experience prepared her for the next step in her career.

Evolved Understanding of Customer Success

Since starting full-time, Lasya’s view of Customer Success has evolved. Initially, she saw the role as primarily focused on resolving customer issues. Over time, however, she realized that it is a far more strategic role. Customer Success involves helping customers unlock the full potential of Salesforce’s products, guiding them toward achieving their business goals, and focusing on long-term success. This more strategic, value-driven approach has made the role rewarding for Lasya.

Skills That Carried Over to a Full-Time Role

The technical knowledge gained during the internship, such as troubleshooting and communicating solutions to customers, has been vital in her full-time Customer Success role. However, the experience went beyond just technical skills. Through customer interactions, she developed a deeper understanding of the critical role that Customer Success plays in helping customers achieve long-term success with Salesforce’s products. It became clear that Customer Success is about guiding customers strategically.

“As an Intern, I embraced the power of continuous learning and growth through Salesforce's incredible Trailhead platform, which became my go-to resource for expanding my knowledge. Trailhead is one of my favourite platforms to upskill and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. I’m proud to share that I’ve reached the milestone of Triple Star Ranger on Trailhead.”

The Importance of Mentorship and Training

Lasya’s internship experience was shaped by valuable mentorship. Paired with a Senior Technical Support Engineer, she learned how to handle complex cases, manage customer expectations, and navigate challenging scenarios. In addition to mentorship, Salesforce’s structured training programs enhanced Lasya’s technical abilities and soft skills, such as communication and time management.

The Transition to Full-Time Role

“During the internship, I had a safety net with constant guidance, but as a full-time employee, the biggest change was the increase in responsibility and ownership. I became the point of contact for customers. Managing my time across multiple cases and ensuring I was providing the best customer experience required some adjustment. Another shift was in learning to navigate the broader Salesforce ecosystem, as the scope of my work expanded beyond just one product.”

Advice for Future Interns

“To the future interns out there, be curious and proactive. Take every opportunity to learn from your mentors and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Salesforce has a rich ecosystem, so spend time exploring its products and understanding how they fit together. Also, focus on building relationships and networking — it’s invaluable. Most importantly, embrace challenges because that’s where you’ll grow the most!”

Lasya’s story highlights how an internship at Salesforce can be the springboard to a fulfilling career. By embracing challenges, seeking mentorship, and applying the skills she gained, Lasya has made a successful transition from intern to full-time grad.

Lasya’s journey is just one example of the incredible opportunities an internship at Salesforce can offer. Read all about our internship program here.