How HP’s CEO rose from intern to the corner office: ‘I was changing jobs almost every 2 years’

HP’s CEO Enrique Lores’ journey from intern to CEO is a remarkable story of growth, adaptability, and strategic career moves. Starting his career at HP over three decades ago as an engineering intern, Lores climbed the ranks by continuously expanding his skill set and seeking new challenges, embodying a commitment to both personal and professional development. His story sheds light on how staying open to learning and adapting to different roles can lead to profound career advancement.

Lores’ career path at HP was marked by regular shifts to new roles—he changed positions approximately every two years. This frequent role rotation was not merely a byproduct of corporate structure; instead, it was a conscious strategy for growth. Lores viewed each position as a chance to learn something new, build a new skill, or deepen his understanding of a different aspect of the business. In each role, he focused on gaining insights and building expertise that would later prove invaluable as he ascended to the company’s top position. By embracing new responsibilities regularly, he not only kept his career dynamic but also developed a comprehensive view of HP’s operations, ultimately preparing him for the role of CEO.

His approach emphasizes the importance of adaptability in career development. Lores’ willingness to step outside his comfort zone allowed him to handle various challenges and led him to work across multiple business units, from product development to sales to finance. This broad experience gave him a unique perspective and a diverse skill set, which are now crucial in his leadership role. He encourages other aspiring professionals to adopt a similar mindset—taking on roles that may seem challenging or unfamiliar can be instrumental in long-term career growth.

An essential part of Lores’ success has been his commitment to lifelong learning. Despite having been with HP for his entire career, he continually sought opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, whether through formal education or hands-on experience. For Lores, every position was a chance to deepen his understanding, not only of HP’s business model but also of the tech industry’s evolving landscape. His journey underscores that ongoing learning can be a powerful tool for career advancement, especially in a field as dynamic as technology.

Another key takeaway from Lores’ career is the value of patience and long-term planning. Rather than seeking quick promotions, he focused on building a foundation of knowledge and experience. This approach enabled him to develop a robust understanding of HP’s mission and values, which, in turn, made him a more effective leader. His rise to CEO is a testament to the benefits of investing time in gaining deep, meaningful experience rather than focusing solely on rapid upward mobility.

In his current role as CEO, Lores leverages his extensive experience to guide HP through the challenges of a rapidly changing tech landscape. His journey from intern to CEO provides a blueprint for professionals looking to advance within a single company. His advice to those on similar paths is to remain curious, embrace new challenges, and prioritize growth over immediate rewards. For Lores, each job was a stepping stone, and his strategic approach to career development ultimately led him to the top of HP.

Lores’ story is an inspiring example of how a willingness to learn, adapt, and patiently build experience can lead to extraordinary career success. By embracing each role as a unique learning opportunity and focusing on long-term goals, Lores transformed his initial internship into a legacy of leadership at one of the world’s leading technology companies.