Navigating her senior year of high school in Northern Virginia amidst a global pandemic, Huntleigh Zhang was uncertain about her future college plans and career aspirations.

“I wanted to find a place that would support me in terms of professional development, coursework and extracurricular activities,” she said.

Ultimately, the 22-year-old University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Media Production, Management, and Technology (MPMT) graduate found her stride within the vibrant environment at Weimer Hall leading to an internship and full-time job at IBM.

Zhang started her studies at UF without a clear idea of her path. However, as she explored the UFCJC offerings, she eventually joined the school’s MPMT program. She said the major appealed to her as it covers a range of areas, including media production, management strategy, marketing and technological innovation.

“I love that [UFCJC’s MPMT major] doesn’t just encompass one area, but touches a lot of different areas,” she said. “That’s very beneficial in a corporate environment.”

Beyond course content, Zhang said she is grateful for CJC’s faculty. From interview preparation to industry advice, Zhang’s professors have played a significant role in her professional journey.

“Every single professor I’ve encountered in my major-specific classes has been so knowledgeable and supportive,” she said.

Outside the classroom, panhellenic and student organization involvement was the cornerstone of Zhang’s undergraduate experience.

As the chief marketing officer for UF’s Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Zhang gained experience in content creation, collaboration and videography. One of her favorite projects included directing and producing recruitment videos for the chapter.

As a freshman, Zhang began working at Strike Magazine, a student-run fashion and culture publication, where she held positions as a styling assistant and brand ambassador, going on to becoming the brand ambassador director. Strike Magazine allowed Zhang to pursue her passion for fashion while developing her leadership and project management skills.

“I’ve always loved fashion and wanted a way to channel that creativity at the college level,” she said.

Transitioning seamlessly from campus to corporate, Zhang has taken on several internships while studying at UF, including in IBM’s Marketing and Communications Department in New York in summer 2023. Guided by her foundational knowledge from UF classes like Corporate Communications, Zhang navigated the large, influential landscape of IBM, delving into cutting-edge technologies like IBM’s watsonx AI platform.

However, Zhang’s time at IBM wasn’t just about technical prowess, it was about embracing a mindset of continuous learning and openness to feedback. Her eagerness to expand her horizons beyond assigned tasks was pivotal in her growth.

“One of the biggest things that I took away from the summer is to be curious and to continuously want to expand your knowledge,” she said.

Zhang will be returning to IBM after graduation in a full-time position with the Marketing and Communications Department. Her passage through UFCJC to her job at IBM is a testament to the power of preparation, passion and seizing opportunities. Her narrative encapsulates a journey marked by immersive learning experiences, diverse engagements and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

“There’s so many opportunities to explore your passions at the College,” she said. “Everything that I’ve learned, I’m definitely going to take with me moving forward.”

Posted: April 17, 2024
Category: College News, Profiles, Student Profiles
Tagged as: Huntleigh Zhang, IBM