Intern Diary: Jayleigh
As the second semester of my sophomore year approached, I felt a strong urge to pursue a change that had been on my mind for quite some time: switching my major. The decision became clear when I received a new follower on Instagram: JMG PR! Intrigued, I dove into research about the company and its founder, Jenna Guarneri. I was captivated by her expertise in public relations and the vibrant atmosphere reflected in JMG’s Instagram posts, which showcased a welcoming work environment where interns are genuinely valued and appreciated.
When I discovered they were hiring summer social media interns, I knew it was the perfect opportunity. With my minor in social media analytics, I decided to take a leap and apply. A few weeks later, I received an email inviting me to interview with Jenna herself. After our conversation, I felt relieved; my nerves had settled, and I was confident I would be a great fit for the role. It seemed Jenna shared that sentiment, as I soon received the exciting news that I had been selected for the position!
As I prepared for my first internship, I felt a mix of excitement and a bit of anxiety. I honestly had no idea what to expect. Although I believed my classes at The University of Tennessee had prepared me for this new role, I couldn’t help but worry that I might lag behind the other interns with more real-world experience. But, as it turned out, those fears couldn’t have been more misplaced!
On my first day at JMG, I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandra, our Head of Content. From the moment we started talking, it was clear that we clicked; her warm welcome made me feel right at home, and I could sense that this summer would be truly impactful. Alexandra took the time to help me settle in, ensuring I felt comfortable and confident in my new role.
After settling in for a couple of weeks, I was given the exciting task of helping to create story posts for the JMG Instagram account. It wasn't long before I transformed my social media post outlines into actual content. Alexandra and Arcely soon handed me the reins to the JMG Instagram account, granting me complete creative control over our social media strategy.
I was genuinely taken aback by the trust they placed in me; it was an incredible boost to my confidence. Their belief in my abilities exceeded my own, motivating me to embrace this opportunity fully. I felt empowered to express my creativity and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. This newfound responsibility ignited my passion, and I was eager to make my mark on the JMG brand.
It’s truly a rare find to discover a company that not only welcomes you like family but also inspires you to reach your full potential. The team at JMG embodies the spirit of hard work and dedication, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their unwavering guidance and support. I've made so many new connections and friendships this summer through JMG. Without this company, I would never have met my intern bestie. I never imagined a simple Zoom call with Genevieve to brainstorm social media ideas would lead to such a meaningful friendship. What started as a work-related meeting quickly evolved into daily FaceTime calls, where we'd catch up on everything from our latest projects to when we would visit each other. Without her friendship, guidance, and humor, I can’t imagine what I would have done.
From our daily “sip the tea” meetings, where we share everything from the latest celebrity gossip to our favorite fast food spots to our end-of-day calls celebrating our accomplishments, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and forged meaningful relationships with my executives and fellow interns. These experiences have enriched my time at JMG and helped me grow personally and professionally.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Jenna and Alexandra for being such incredible mentors. Your support and guidance have truly made a lasting impact on me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity you both gave me to join the team. I will always cherish my time at JMG, and I’m excited to put my new skills and knowledge to work as I enter my junior year. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow!
