Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Jones

Class of 2017

Degree:

Current Role:

Social Media Specialist at Universal Orlando Resort

Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount University?

I’m from Fredericksburg, Va., about an hour south of Marymount. I grew up attending Catholic school, so when I was looking at colleges, I wanted to stay in that same realm. I also wanted to be far enough away to gain independence, but not too far from home.

When researching DMV-area schools, Marymount stood out as a notable institution. I knew people who had gone there and had great experiences. However, what ultimately sold me was the study abroad program. I loved that they offered not only semester-long programs but also spring break and summer opportunities. That flexibility and variety appealed to me.

What was your experience like at Marymount?

My experience was great! When I think back to my college years, I get nostalgic because I miss it! One of the most memorable parts was the study abroad opportunities. I went to Rome for a theology course during spring break, Dubai as part of a politics course and spent a summer in the Netherlands after my freshman year.

At the same time, I advanced my studies and honed in on what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work on the marketing side of business, so I took numerous classes and connected with professors who helped me develop the marketing and communication skills I needed to be a professional in the field.

What do you do in your current role at Universal?

I’m a social media specialist at Universal Orlando Resort. My role focuses heavily on analytics and social media listening. I monitor online feedback across platforms like Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube and even news sites—really any mention of the company online. I analyze all of that feedback and identify patterns—what people are saying about the brand, areas where we can improve and the positive things we should amplify. From there, I make recommendations based on the data. It’s a role that combines data, strategy and communication, which I love.

One of my favorite aspects of the job is being a leader. Building a positive team culture and fostering a great work environment are key priorities for me. I’ve worked hard to create a collaborative team environment where we brainstorm ideas together, talk openly about challenges we are facing and work together to solve problems. I want to motivate people to come to work and have a good time. So, I would say being a leader is the best part of my job.

What has been the highlight of your experience at Universal so far?

Getting to open the new Universal Epic Universe park in May 2025 was a surreal and career-defining moment for me. Not many people can say they helped open a theme park! I arrived at 5 a.m. on opening day, eager to welcome our guests. I got to see the opening ceremonies for each of the different portals, which include Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Isle of Berk and the Ministry of Magic. Watching the first few guests enter the park and experience something brand new was the highlight of my professional career so far. I have always dreamed about working for a theme park, so getting to be part of the Epic Universe team is such a childhood dream come true!

How did Marymount prepare you for your current position?

Marymount helped me build strong soft skills, one of the most valuable being public speaking. In my current role, I often present analytics and feedback to high-level executives, which means distilling a lot of information into bite-sized chunks to make it accessible to those who aren’t subject matter experts. Marymount helped me get comfortable with that kind of communication. I always think back to my senior year capstone class when business students had to create a pitch and present it at the end of the course. It was challenging and we often had to go back to the drawing board, but it taught me resilience and how to communicate effectively. It also showed me it’s okay to make mistakes and start over, an important lesson in both school and professional life.

Marymount also taught me the importance of networking and the value of each experience. Before landing my job at Universal, I had two internships at SeaWorld’s education department. That was not the field I was interested in, but it gave me a foot in the door. I met many great people and stayed in touch with them. When I graduated, that experience and those connections helped me get my first job in guest services at Universal.

What is your advice to students about making the most of their college experience and preparing for the workforce?

My advice to students is to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to internships. Apply for opportunities even if they feel like a long shot. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and that’s okay. That ‘no’ is just another step toward finding the right opportunity for you. Also, take time to build relationships with your professors. Go to their office hours and get to know them outside of class. Those connections can be incredibly valuable during school and after graduation. Start networking early by establishing your LinkedIn profile and keeping it updated. Many opportunities arise from who you know and how visible you are. Most importantly, be bold. Go after the things you want, even if they feel intimidating. Every experience, whether it works out or not, will shape where you’re meant to be. Everything comes full circle in the end.