Distinguished Alum Kicks off CCIDM Expert Speaker Series

Written by Patrick Ogaz

Edited by Andrea Escobar-Vara

October 10, 2020

       On October 9th, 2020, the Center debuted a new virtual event series titled the CCIDM Expert Speaker Series. This series aims to feature experts from the customer insights and digital marketing industry. The inaugural event featured Kantar Research Director Jenny Yeon, a distinguished CCIDM alumnus. Yeon joined the Center via Zoom conference to share her experiences as an insights professional five years into a successful career.

       Yeon did not initially intend to have a career in market research. She transferred to Cal Poly Pomona as a Management and Human Resources student. However, after finding a passion for insights, she took advantage of internships and campus resources to nurture her new career trajectory. Yeon served as a Research Assistant in the CCIDM, got involved in the Market Research Club, and participated in the CCIDM Consultancy Project. Graduating in 2015, Yeon launched her career at Kantar Research Group, where she quickly advanced from a Research Analyst to a Research Director. Yeon emphasizes how these resources helped develop her skills and helped her understand the market research process. 

       Drawing on her own experience, Yeon offered advice to students by sharing three important characteristics that are essential to thrive in the insights industry: (1) attention to detail, (2) strong communication skills, and (3) teamwork. Yeon explains the importance of supporting your resume with real examples from classes or internships to showcase these characteristics to recruiters rather than idly placing them on a resume. 

       Additionally, Yeon urges that while searching for a job, students should consider the team they will be working with. The right company fit will look different for everyone. For Yeon, finding the right position meant finding a company that provides ample feedback on her projects and career trajectory. She advises students to start researching the companies they are interested in early on in the process. After the one-hour public event, Yeon met with the Center interns in a private meeting in which the students asked more questions and bonded with her.

The Center would like to thank Jenny Yeon for sharing her wisdom and engaging with Cal Poly Pomona students at the inaugural CCIDM Expert Speaker Series. Students left the event with more context into the insights and data industry, as well as some helpful career advice from someone who recently went through the job search process. The CCIDM looks forward to more installments in the CCIDM Expert Speaker Series in Spring 2021. If you are not already on our mailing list, please subscribe below to make sure you get an invitation!