For students charting their professional journeys, internships offer invaluable real-world experience, and the Tiaa Early Career Immersion Program stands out as a particularly impactful opportunity. Charity Hayman, a bright business administration major from Jackson State University (JSU), discovered this firsthand during her enriching summer internship at TIAA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, headquarters. Hayman’s role as a marketing technology intern allowed her to dive deep into data tracking strategies, develop crucial technical skills, and absorb knowledge like a sponge in the dynamic field of marketing technology.
Jackson State University students Charity Hayman and Dillard McCoy at TIAA's Charlotte office during their Early Career Immersion Program internships.
Hayman’s enthusiasm for her experience is palpable. “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,” she shared, highlighting the program’s relevance to the evolving marketing landscape. Her initial discovery of the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program came through a JSU student email advertisement, piquing her interest with details about this immersive experience.
Exploring Marketing Technology through TIAA’s Immersion Program
TIAA, a Fortune 500 company renowned for providing secure retirement and investment solutions, offers the Early Career Immersion Program as a gateway for students to gain practical skills and insights into the corporate world. For Hayman, venturing into marketing technology was a step outside her comfort zone, yet one that proved incredibly rewarding. “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,” she explained. This exploration was made possible and fruitful through the structured environment of the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program.
During her internship, Hayman didn’t just observe; she actively contributed. She gained hands-on experience with Google Analytics and developed a workflow segmentation process, a valuable asset not only for TIAA but also as a framework for future interns. The program’s hybrid structure, offering both remote and in-office work options, provided flexibility and a modern work environment. Despite considering herself introverted, Hayman thrived within the welcoming and engaging TIAA team, particularly under the guidance of her manager, Enrique Aceves.
Manager’s Perspective on the Early Career Immersion Program’s Impact
Enrique Aceves, Global Head of Enterprise Marketing Technology at TIAA, praised Hayman’s contributions and the program’s effectiveness. “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,” Aceves noted. His words underscore the mutual benefit of the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program: interns gain invaluable experience, and TIAA benefits from fresh perspectives and talent.
For Hayman, the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program has set a new benchmark for her career expectations, opening her eyes to the possibilities within corporate careers. Inspired by her entrepreneurial family, she is driven to create multiple income streams and even envisions businesses focused on photography and supporting incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society.
Beyond the core internship responsibilities, the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program offered a holistic experience. Participants engaged in volunteer opportunities, charitable donations, and enjoyed perks like lunch stipends, Uber credits, and access to on-site amenities such as a gym, personal trainer, and pharmacy at the Charlotte office. These additional benefits further enrich the internship experience, making the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program a truly comprehensive and attractive opportunity for students seeking to launch their careers.
In conclusion, Charity Hayman’s journey through the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program exemplifies the transformative power of well-structured internships. It not only provided her with crucial skills and industry insights but also broadened her career horizons and instilled a high standard for her future professional endeavors. For students seeking a robust and rewarding early career experience, the TIAA Early Career Immersion Program emerges as a leading pathway to success.
