Grace Jones
- Design and Sales Associate
- Platinum Deck & Patio
School Information
School: Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2021-2022
Career Information
Working For: Platinum Deck & Patio
Title: Design and Sales Associate
Industry: Home Improvement
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Design and sell custom paver patio and composite decks for residential clients across Indiana.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Receiving a nomination for Most Influential Woman in Business in Indianapolis.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting provided me every tool that I needed to become a successful business person.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
After graduation, interviews were an absolute breeze. I consistently felt like I was miles ahead of other candidates, and was able to secure multiple job offers in a matter of weeks. I landed a non entry-level corporate sales job where my sales numbers quickly surpassed those of my much older colleagues. All thanks to the skills I learned at College Works Painting. Now, back in the construction industry, I am utilizing my experiences at College Works Painting even more.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
My favorite client was a Megan from South Africa who had recently moved to the US. My crews painted her entire exterior of the house and two floors of the interior. I would tell her that it meant the world to me that I was the very first contractor she chose to work with here in the states, and that she helped pave my way to becoming a very successful intern, and then a District Manager. She was one of the kindest, most encouraging people I’ve ever had the chance to work with, and we still stay in touch to this day!
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Never doubt what you could be capable of. You may surprise yourself with newfound confidence and success.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
I am currently working for a company that was founded and owned by College Works Painting alumni. They are incredibly successful business owners with a very bright future ahead, and I am so grateful to have had those networks to get me where I am today. On the social side of things, my two best friends in the world, I met at College Works Painting. I have gone on vacations with them, and plan to have them in my wedding (where I’ll be marrying another College Works Painting alum!)
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
Earn the chance to change your life.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
“Potential College Works Painting interns: take the leap of faith. Your future self with thank you for years to come. Current College Works Painting interns: don’t give up when things get tough! If you are working hard and trying your best, that means you will earn yourself opportunities to be challenged. If the program seems easy and is going perfectly, that means you probably aren’t challenging yourself enough. Don’t be afraid of pushing the limits! It means you’re learning to push those boundaries, which is essential for success in any industry. “
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
Typically you can learn about your target industry through courses in college, or simply through your own research. Most companies who are hiring college graduates don’t expect experience specific to your industry. Many “normal” internships don’t provide the level of exposure and real world experience that College Works Painting will. When I graduated, I went into corporate sales in the sports and entertainment industry. I didn’t matter that I had no experience in that industry, because I clearly proved I could succeed anywhere, based on my accomplishments at College Works Painting.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Focus on developing your brand as a salesperson to find what sales styles work best for you. It’s important to stay genuine to who you are as a person.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
We took a trip to Orange County, California, and spent a whole day at the beach. We had In & Out delivered, eating burgers by the waves, and I truly thought, “it couldn’t get any better than this.” We took some surfing lessons and I just had the most fun I’ve ever had. I will never forget all the crazy things I wouldn’t have had the privilege of experiencing if it weren’t for College Works Painting.
Last words of wisdom?
Don’t waste an opportunity like this; it will be the most memorable year of your life.