Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career path, background, and what brought you to SAP NS2.
My name is Eilyse Scanlon, and I’ve been with SAP NS2 since May 2024. I started as a Human Resources intern after graduating from Penn State University, and I recently transitioned into a full-time role as a Recruiting Consultant.
Growing up in the Newtown Square area, I would often pass the SAP building and think how amazing it would be to work there one day. What truly inspired me to apply was SAP NS2’s mission and values—which aligned closely with what I was looking for in my career after graduation.
During my internship, I was frequently asked about my goals and was given meaningful opportunities to explore and work toward them. That experience played a major role in shaping my career path and helping me grow into the role I’m in today.
What was the biggest difference between being an intern and becoming an employee? Were there any unexpected challenges/difficulties? How did you overcome them?
The most rewarding part of my internship was feeling like a valued member of the team from day one. SAP NS2 has a great way of creating an internship program that fosters mentorship and giving guidance to their interns. I was welcomed into meetings, introduced to colleagues across the organization, and had the opportunity to work in the office, which allowed me to build meaningful connections and gain insight into the company culture.
From the start, I approached each day with the mindset of asking how I could contribute to the team and add value. I was eager to make an impact, support ongoing projects, and continuously learn from those around me.
What sets SAP NS2 apart as a company where you don’t just have a job, but a career?
What sets SAP NS2 apart is its strong commitment to skill development and career growth. The company offers an impressive range of resources to help employees enhance their current capabilities or explore new ones.
When I first joined, I made a goal to take full advantage of the learning platforms available. I focused on strengthening my professional skills and honing my abilities as a technical recruiter. As new training modules were released, I proactively assigned them to myself to ensure I was continually learning and growing.
In addition to the learning tools, SAP NS2 provides structured mentorship opportunities—both during my internship and as a full-time employee. Programs like fellowships, ERGs, and goal-setting initiatives have allowed me to align my professional development with meaningful career objectives.
SAP NS2 truly matches the effort you put in. When I took advantage of the opportunities offered, I was not only able to grow individually, but also contribute to the broader success of the organization.
What is one piece of advice you have for someone starting out in their career?
Starting your career can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting time filled with opportunity. My advice is to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way—they’re all steppingstones that help shape your professional journey. Many of these opportunities exist because those who came before you embraced them and found success. During an internship, I highly encourage you to network, schedule time with colleagues, and ask questions. Being curious not only shows genuine interest, but also demonstrates your willingness to think critically and engage beyond the surface. These small actions can have a big impact on your growth and the connections you build.
What were your thoughts and expectations going into your internship, and how was your experience different/same?
When I first started my internship at SAP NS2, I was a mix of nervous, eager, and excited. I knew the impact SAP NS2 had on businesses, and I felt that it could truly shape my career in a meaningful way.
But I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I would contribute. Those nerves quickly faded as I began connecting with my team and others across the organization. I set up 1:1s, asked questions, and took every opportunity to learn. What stood out the most was how welcoming and supportive everyone was—they wanted me to succeed. That experience gave me the confidence to grow, contribute, and realize that even as an intern, I had something valuable to offer.
Who helped you the most throughout your internship? Did you feel like they were interested in your development and career intentions?
I have nothing but appreciation for the entire team at SAP NS2—they each played a unique role in helping shape my early career. While I can’t single out just one person, I’m incredibly grateful for how every team member supported my development by giving me diverse projects that helped me explore where I fit within the broad field of Human Resources. From the start, my mentor held regular 1:1s to check in on my goals and guide me in the right direction.
When I discovered a passion for recruiting, the team within that department didn’t hesitate to get me involved. I was part of meaningful work that deepened my understanding of the business. My colleagues were instrumental in helping me get acclimated to my role on the recruiting team—their guidance, support, and encouragement have left a lasting impact, and I can’t thank them enough.
How did you set yourself up for success?
I truly believe I set myself up for success by staying curious, proactive, and open to growth throughout my internship. From day one, I made it a priority to ask questions, build relationships, and take advantage of every learning opportunity available to me. I leaned into SAP NS2’s learning platforms to strengthen both my technical and interpersonal skills, and I wasn’t afraid to reach out, set up 1:1s, and learn from others’ experiences.
I entered the internship eager to contribute but also fully aware that I had so much to learn. That mindset helped me explore different areas of HR, find where I thrived, and ultimately shape my own path. By being present, asking for guidance, and stepping into each new challenge with confidence, I created an experience that prepared me for success—not just in the internship, but well beyond it.
