Chase Williams, '19

September 5, 2018
Senior lands a job during his Jepson Internship at Salesforce

Chase Williams, ’19, knew he wanted to work at Salesforce before he met Jepson alumnus Scott Barghaan, ’00, vice president of strategic accounts at Salesforce, at the Jepson EDGE Institute. But that conversation gave Williams a foot in the door for a summer internship at the customer relations management platform, which would lead to a job offer.

“Jepson EDGE was tremendously helpful in actually helping me to get the internship,” Williams says. “Scott was able to help prepare me for the interview process and has served as a mentor since I joined the company.” 

Williams, a native of Manhattan Beach, Calif., first heard of Salesforce through his work at a different company and exposure to their products, which include tools for sales, marketing, and service.

“This is the first time Salesforce has offered a sales internship specifically geared towards rising college seniors with the intention of having them convert in the organization after graduation,” Williams says.

During his Jepson Internship, Williams’s primary goal was to find ways to add value to his team.

“I typically identify potential customers, collaborate on and execute strategies to get my team in the door, and help to push through new opportunities,” Williams says.

Williams describes the environment at Salesforce, saying, “It’s demanding, fast-paced, and challenging, yet also incredibly rewarding to know your work is not only adding value to the company but that you are growing personally.”

Williams relied on his confidence and determination to excel during his internship.

“Sales requires a lot of things, including resiliency after rejection, confidence, and a high risk tolerance to accept that nothing is guaranteed and your success is solely dependent on your delivery,” Williams says.

Williams, who is majoring in leadership studies while earning a minor in psychology, used the critical thinking and writing skills cultivated in the classroom to fulfill his charge to add value.

“Dr. Hayter’s Justice and Civil Society course prepared me particularly well by challenging my perspectives, requiring me to think critically and to become a stronger writer,” Williams explains.

Williams will join Salesforce in San Francisco after graduation, where he’ll continue to develop his sales skills and gain experience. The University of Richmond senior is setting his long-term sights high and planning to one day launch a tech venture of his own.

“It’s been an incredible experience to come to work every day and add value around such incredibly driven and accomplished people,” Williams says.