A social butterfly by nature, Sierra Estevez changed her major early on in her college career from Psychology to Communication Studies because it allowed her to be outgoing and creative and “felt like it was made for me.”
With a resume that reflected several important on-campus jobs, time as head of Public Relations and Graphic Design for “Girl Talk,” a Wire TV show, and extensive experience creating content for the university’s TikTok team, Sierra graduated from SUNY Oneonta prepared to find a job in the world of digital marketing. Now she’s living the dream, working as Advocacy Coordinator at CoverGirl & Rimmel.
Why SUNY Oneonta?
Oneonta checked a lot of boxes for me. When it came down to the college process and the transition from high school to college, I was a little bit intimidated. I visited my high school college counselor almost every day, and she recommended Oneonta would be a great fit for me because of its home-y feel. I also love getting involved in extracurriculars like clubs, volunteering, and more – and Oneonta has SO many opportunities to explore. Also, the campus and class size was just right for me: I could see new faces and some familiar ones and had about 20-29 in each class, which were very similar to my high school experience and best for me as a student to succeed. Plus, I was awarded a full scholarship and felt that Oneonta would be the best school for me to make the most of the opportunity.
After Oneonta
After graduation, I landed a job at PEOPLE Magazine, where I provided support to the seven Account Directors (Sales Representatives) assigned to me, throughout the integrated sales cycle with their clients. A day in my life included managing sales activity reports daily, submitting insertion orders, pulling research reports or requesting them from our research department, completing clients’ requests for proposals (RFPs), and managing monthly expense reports. Other responsibilities included arranging travel or reservations, coordinating mailing and our comp list, coordinating agency/client events, helping create decks, ordering supplies, and answering the phone. I was hired in October 2023 as Advocacy Coordinator for CoverGirl & Rimmel!
Best Experiences at Oneonta
There are so many to choose from so perhaps a Top 3: I’d say working at Hunt Union as an Information Desk Associate because it allowed me to meet so many people and become familiar with all we have to offer on campus. I also loved working at the Office of Admissions as a Tour Guide. It was so fun to share my journey as a Red Dragon with prospective students and their families because I was once in their shoes. And finally, joining Xclusive Dance Crew – it was the first club I joined on campus as a freshman, and they made me feel welcome. It definitely helped me get adjusted to college.
About My Major
I went into my freshman year as a Psychology major, but as the end of the second semester approached I felt like the major didn’t suit me. I took a step back to assess my personality, hobbies, and interests and thought “I’m a very outgoing and creative person,” which led me to Communication Studies. Best decision ever! It was like this major was made for me. I could see myself in the field as it pertains to communicating and socializing. Plus it has a variety of career opportunities to explore.
Favorite Class
Public Speaking definitely takes the cake. I know most people can feel intimidated by this class – even I was, although I am outgoing. But I had the most amazing professor, Stacy Branigan. She is so professional yet empathetic and caring. She truly cares for her student’s success in the course but also for their well-being. Professor Branigan made learning lively with fun presentation topics and assignments and helpful constructive criticism so we could improve. My classmates and I became very close, too. Overall it was a great learning experience for me. I saw myself grow and progress over time.
Best Part of My Job
The most rewarding part of my job is learning about various industries like beauty, food, pharmaceuticals, entertainment and streaming services, and more. I have the opportunity to meet so many people from some of the most iconic brands like Netflix, Mars, L’Oreal, and more. It is great to learn a lot about so many different areas - just to know, for my career journey, or maybe even a Jeopardy question someday!