Oglethorpe students gathered recently for a “Communications Career Community Chat,” featuring a special guest speaker, Jessi Marquardt, talent acquisition manager at Enterprise Holdings. With an inspiring energy, Marquardt captured the room by sharing her personal story of resilience, grit and determination, which defined her journey from a small town to a leading role in a Fortune 500 company.
Her advice to Oglethorpe students was rooted in experience and honesty. Jessi highlighted the importance of finding mentors, noting that the support of others can provide essential guidance. She urged students to explore all career options with an open mind and look for companies that align with their personal values. But above all, she stressed that success is about staying true to oneself. “You don’t have to change who you are to be successful,” she emphasized, advocating for authenticity and self-confidence in the professional world.
As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, Jessi’s story began in unexpected circumstances. College was not discussed at her home, and it seemed more like a dream than a possibility for a long time. By the time she was 17, Jessi was emancipated, living independently and balancing a full-time job at a battery factory with a 3.5 GPA. She painted an image of determination and sacrifice, working late shifts to pay for tuition while attending classes during the day. For Jessi, it was all about taking one step at a time.
One of the unique elements Jessi brought to the conversation was the concept of setting small, personal goals. Early in her journey, she made a goal to save $100 as her “safety net,” a small but empowering milestone representing stability. “I started calling that my ‘zero,’” Jessi shared, explaining that she consistently set her next goal slightly higher. It was this step-by-step, no-stone-left-unturned approach that she believes helped her keep going through the most challenging times.
After exploring a few fields, Jessi ultimately joined Enterprise Holdings. She was initially hesitant; she hadn’t gone to college expecting to start a career in car rentals. However, she was drawn to the company’s vibrant, supportive culture and quickly saw it as a place where she could thrive. Jessi spoke candidly about her growth at Enterprise, how the work aligned with her values, and how she found her calling in recruiting and helping others find roles where they could succeed.
Leaving the event, students were visibly moved by Jessi’s story. Communication studies major Julia Nguyen ’26 reflected, “Hearing Jessi’s journey was a reminder that there’s no single path to success and that perseverance really does pay off.”
Jessi Marquardt’s story was a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely straightforward, but anyone can achieve a fulfilling career by setting small goals, staying resilient, and embracing opportunities. For Oglethorpe students at the event, her message was clear: sometimes, success is about staying grounded in who you are and taking things one step at a time.
This event was made available through the communications “career community,” a recently announced initiative that connects Oglethorpe students with similar career interests to networking and professional development opportunities. Through this initiative, students can explore various fields within their academic majors and develop a robust understanding of the many careers in their fields.
