Class of 2020 Career Spotlight: Katelyn Weldon
A Positive Mindset Leads Marketing Graduate to Encore Capital Group
Katelyn Weldon strives to embrace an optimistic outlook in all she encounters, personally, professionally, and academically. The Simi Valley native flourished at San Diego State University, making connections on campus which led to forming life-long friendships. Weldon shared her enthusiasm across the university as a student, resident advisor, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.
Katelyn Weldon, Class of 2020
Beginning her job hunt last February, Weldon maximized her leadership experience and her passion for marketing analytics to connect with potential employers. Her persistence paid off when she secured a position with Encore Capital Group, a global finance company this May. Weldon encourages current students to dig deep within, seeking more than just a title for a job, and credits this mindset in helping her land employment amidst a pandemic.
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Integrated Marketing Communications as an area of study?
I am someone who opts for happiness and who pursues a passion each day. I believe that I owe it to myself to live a life worthy of continuous growth and make it a point of doing so. Mindfulness has not failed me yet, and I intend to continue that mindset!
I chose IMC due to the high level of innovation in today’s world and the subsequent need for mindful adaptation. Creativity comes naturally to me, especially in problem solving scenarios; to be able to translate that into a future profession was intriguing. This mentality led me to the Fowler College of Business where I fell in love with the analytic side of marketing.
Q: Describe the position you have recently started (job functions, key role).
The role of a business systems analyst focuses on improving operations systems to create a more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly experience. Identifying problems, evaluating output requirements, studying system capabilities, and providing recommendations backed by analytics are all key functions of the profession.
Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer?
I received my official offer in May. I had been vigilantly searching the job market for an analyst position since February and I am ecstatic that I have secured an analyst role in such a prestigious company. Never settle!
Q: How did you get connected with this company and position?
I utilized LinkedIn for application processes, Glassdoor for company reviews and ratings, and targeted searches to located business analyst roles.
Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications?
Marketing analytics and research, excel (important!), consumer behavior studies, IMC objectives, and understanding of overall marketing strategy placed me above other candidates.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post-graduation?
Pursue something that sparks passion within you. You may not know exactly what that role title is yet; search for a baseline function of a profession that interests you: optimization, creativity, analytics, management, etc.
Take personality tests. Contact your professors, mentors, older friends, parents, family. Use your network and their knowledge to aid in your search. Ask what makes people happy within their professions; ask what is most challenging. Create a worldview of your own that is enriched with the knowledge of your most trusted advisors.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Your direction is more important than your speed.
Katelyn Weldon (right) with her fellow Resident Advisors.
Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?
I am personally looking forward to the intellectual challenges I will face while learning new business systems. I am also excited to create new friendships and working relationships in the professional world. Finally, my company is international, opening opportunities in the future for travel!
Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
My involvements on campus have given me a network of lifelong friendships and happiness. My three years as a resident advisor provided me with invaluable mentoring experience and individuals that I simply cannot imagine life without. As a founding member of Kappa Alpha Theta in 2016, I was able to surround myself with women who mirrored my values and incentivized my best self.
Throughout my four years, I have been able to create a network of people I am proud to call my best friends, mentors, and sisters.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Life is beautiful and you have time.
Start to believe that nothing is too good for you.
