The Power of Persistence and Seizing Opportunities
From Intern to Marketing Operations Manager- Carly Steakin
Written by Carly Steakin
It was February 2021 and I had recently graduated from college. Like so many other recent grads at the time, I had applied to 100+ jobs and wasn’t having much luck. Frustrated and feeling uncertain about my future, I remember scrolling through LinkedIn and I came across a social media/influencer marketing role at Jones Road Beauty in Montclair, NJ.
As a recent graduate I had little work experience, but I decided to apply anyway. The office was just 20 minutes from my house. I've always been passionate about beauty and skincare, and the opportunity to work for Bobbi Brown was too good to pass up. It felt like a long shot, but I submitted my application and patiently waited to hear back.
On my 23rd birthday, I received an email from Bobbi’s assistant at the time. To my surprise, she invited me to meet via Zoom and we met the following day. During our conversation, she let me know that the position I had originally applied for had already been filled. However, they were looking to hire an intern. The internship seemed to be more general, involving office tasks like restocking supplies, running errands, and other administrative work.
At that point, I wasn’t actively looking for an internship—I was focused on securing a full-time position. But, keeping an open mind, I decided to accept the internship. Who knew what opportunities it could lead to? And even if it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, I figured it would be a great experience in an industry I was really excited about.
What started as a "general office intern" role quickly turned into so much more. I found myself assisting the Influencer team by packing out PR boxes, restocking the product room for the Product Development team, and even replying to Instagram DMs and comments for the Social Media team. I also helped Bobbi’s assistant with various tasks, like walking Bobbi’s dogs!
This experience gave me an incredibly unique perspective on each team at Jones Road and provided a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into their day-to-day operations. I didn’t just complete tasks—I absorbed as much as I could from each department, learning the ins and outs of the business.
For seven months, I remained committed to offering a helping hand and a positive attitude, no matter the task. There was no project too big or too small. I made it a priority to form connections and really get to know every team member, understanding how we all played a part in the bigger picture.
Then, in September of 2021, I was offered a full-time position as a Marketing Coordinator on the Marketing team. This was everything I had worked for and hoped to achieve from the very start.
It’s almost 4 years later and I’m now the Manager of Marketing Operations at Jones Road Beauty. When I reflect on my experience, I know I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the incredible internship I had early on. There is so much that goes into transforming an internship into a successful, long-term opportunity.
I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and take on projects outside of my comfort zone. I kept an open mind and took on every task, big or small, with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. I learned the importance of being proactive and developed crucial time management skills.
Now, as I continue to grow in my role here, I often think back to my internship and the lessons I learned. I’m so grateful for Bobbi, the entire Jones Road team, and the opportunities that have shaped my time here. I look forward to what the future holds!