Meet Belinda

Meet Melinda

In this Q&A, we sat down with Belinda, who leads Staples' university recruiting programs, to discuss her insights on attracting and developing early career talent.

Can you describe your role and responsibilities as an early career programs talent acquisition lead? 

As the lead for early career programs, my job is all about connecting our company with the next wave of talent. I spend my days recruiting rising college seniors for our internships and upcoming college graduates for our entry-level rotational programs. One of the things I love most is building and maintaining strong relationships with universities—they’re such a crucial part of our success. At Staples, it’s all about our people, our impact and our expertise, so I take great pride in finding emerging talent who can join our team of experts in positioning Staples to deliver for businesses of all sizes across the country. 

What attracted you to this role and how did you get started in early career recruitment? 

I’ve always been passionate about helping young professionals kickstart their careers, and this role is a perfect fit for that passion. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about guiding students and new grads as they transition from university life into the working world. My journey into early career recruitment started with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their lives, and I haven’t looked back since. 

What types of early career programs does Staples offer? 

From the moment you join Staples, you’ll get why people are a top reason we love working here. We’re invested in our teams and invested in creating an exciting and impactful start to your career. Whether it’s through internships, co-op positions, our rotational program, or function-specific training such as our Merchandising Academy, you will get a taste of different parts of the business early on. We offer weekly opportunities to learn from industry experts, as well as a robust mentorship program. From day one, our new team members are also working on projects that make a direct impact on our customers, our business and our communities. I’m excited about the role I play in shaping future experts and leaders. 

How do these programs support the development and growth of new graduates and early career professionals? 

These programs are all about helping participants build essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. What I love is that they offer real-world experience that goes beyond what you learn in the classroom. It’s about taking that knowledge and applying it in a practical setting, which not only sharpens their skills but also gives them the confidence to take on their careers. 

What is one benefit or perk a student could look forward to if they worked at Staples?  

One of the best perks of joining Staples as a student is the chance to build a strong network and community, work alongside industry experts, and receive valuable mentorship. From the very beginning, you will have access to projects and development opportunities that will expand your career journey and directly support Staples’ success.  

If you’re looking for an exciting and fun way to grow both personally and professionally, Staples is it. 

Check us out at university-recruiting-programs