From seafood to systems:
Michaela’s versatile career at Publix

Michaela’s career at Publix is a perfect example of how one opportunity can lead to another—and how saying “yes” to new challenges can take you places you never expected. She started in 2016 as a summer intern in the meat and seafood business unit, learning the ins and outs of seafood operations and product management. That summer sparked something bigger, and soon she was working in retail as a seafood clerk and specialist, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with customers face-to-face.

Her curiosity and drive led her back to the seafood RBU as a technical specialist, where she became a subject matter expert and discovered a love for project work. From there, she moved into a seafood buyer role, managing sourcing until 2023—when she made a bold pivot into technology. Today, Michaela is a senior business systems analyst in Publix Technology, helping design and deliver tech solutions that make life easier for our retail teams.

No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what Michaela loves. Whether she’s solving problems, gathering feedback, or helping launch new systems, she’s always focused on one thing: making sure our associates have the tools they need to serve our customers. One of her proudest moments? Supporting the pilot of a new mobile solution in 50 stores—a project that had been years in the making.

Michaela credits her growth to the incredible support she’s received from her managers, who’ve treated her like family and helped her build the skills to thrive in each new role. Her advice to anyone considering a career in tech at Publix? Don’t underestimate the opportunities in retail. Whether you’re a recent grad or looking to make a career change, there’s room to grow—and room to surprise yourself.

Her journey is proof that at Publix, your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Sometimes, the best paths are the ones you didn’t plan for.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Publix. View our current openings and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about a career at Publix.