By William H. Kelly, III
Charity Hayman, a Jackson State University (JSU) business administration major, spent a fruitful summer as a marketing technology intern at TIAA to develop and implement data tracking strategies, create technical decks for the company and, most of all, be a sponge. Hayman sharpened her skills at TIAA’s base location in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I gained a lot of experience and knowledge. It was fun exploring new opportunities, especially because marketing is growing every day; it’s ever-changing. It definitely helped me,” said Hayman, who also holds a criminal justice minor.
TIAA is a Fortune 500 provider of secure retirement and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions working in higher education, healthcare and other mission-driven organizations.
Hayman discovered the internship in an advertisement distributed via JSU student email detailing interesting information about TIAA’s Early Career Immersion Program.
As a business administration student, she says marketing technology was a new, but fun realm to explore.
“I wanted to try marketing because I felt like it would be more creative. Business administration is a broad major, and I don’t have a concentration at the moment, so marketing for me was about exploring something fun and creative,” said Hayman.
Throughout the internship, she learned about Google Analytics and created a workflow segmentation process that will also be used for future interns. She also enjoyed the internship’s hybrid approach, which allows students to work remotely or in the office.
Although she describes herself as shy and introverted, Hayman was brought out of her shell thanks to a welcoming and engaging team, including direct manager Enrique Aceves.
“Charity’s strong work ethic and quick grasp of complex martech concepts have been a great asset to our team. Her positive attitude and eagerness to take on responsibilities uncovered new opportunities that resulted in innovative new processes for our group,” said Aceves, global head of Enterprise Marketing Technology at TIAA.
Charity says her experience with TIAA created a “high standard” for all jobs moving forward and that corporate careers are something she’ll continue to explore.
Back home in Las Vegas, Nevada, her parents, who have held careers in business, carpentry, teaching, and financial services, instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her.
“I just really want to make money for myself the right way and have different incomes,” said Hayman, who also wants to own a photography business and manage a business that helps incarcerated people transition back into society.
Students also participated in volunteer opportunities, donated to charity organizations, received a lunch stipend and Uber credit, and had access to a free gym, personal trainer, and pharmacy as interns at the Charlotte office.
###
Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu