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GOOD NEIGHBOR
Big
Dream
MEET THREE RECENT UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI GRADUATES WHO L ANDED JOBS WITH BIG-NAME COMPANIES. WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL NICHOLS ILLUSTRATED BY ESTHER SIT VER
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fter enduring a global pandemic and conquering a tough job market, Eumetria Jones, Jay Smith and Cate Thompson have turned their dreams into reality with impressive first jobs for some pretty amazing companies. Each graduate attributes some of their current success to what they learned in the classroom; however, it took much more than textbooks, seminars and trips to the library. They also followed their hearts.
EUMETRIA JONES YETI Austin, TX
Eumetria Jones, 21, found her calling in the booming city of Austin, Texas, where she landed a job as a social media coordinator for Yeti. The Byhalia and Memphis native graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications and a minor in general business and emphasis in public relations. Jones, who had her mind set on moving to Austin upon graduation, originally interviewed to be an intern for Yeti’s account
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team, and while that position didn’t pan out, something greater came from the experience. During her interview process, Jones fostered a friendship with a Yeti HR Business Talent Partner, who in turn mentored Jones. “She gave me the tools and knowledge to prepare for my future interviewing process,” Jones said. After eight grueling interviews with individuals all across the company, Jones landed the job. “I am the eyes and ears for the company,” Jones said. “I am the first person you are in contact with when reaching out to the company on social media, whether it be Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok, you are in touch with me, and I, in turn, express your thoughts, feelings, comments, etc., on to our senior leadership teams, our content creation team, brand teams and every team in between.” Her role doesn’t just keep her behind the screen. Since starting full time in May, while still finishing her undergraduate degree, Jones has attended photo shoots for Yeti content and has traveled to events including the 2021 GoPro Games in Vail, Colorado. There, she met consumers in person, helped with event setup and saw firsthand how consumers view and buy Yeti products. While Jones is loving her experience with Yeti, she also has future plans to attend law school, and then, one day, wants to start her own social media marketing firm. “I want to learn the corporate side of things from Yeti and then put it towards my own social media marketing firm,” Jones said. “I want to do something that challenges me, and I want to do it by working fully for myself.” Her advice for other new graduates looking to pursue their dreams? “Make connections and continue making new connections daily,” Jones advises. “Surround yourself with people you want to be — it could be mentors, leaders, millionaires, social media influencers — anyone. Position yourself and your mind by educating yourself to be the best version of yourself.”
