Destination MMGY Global: SC State senior Zyah Cephus' marketing technology summer internship
Cephus’ time at MMGY Global taught her a valuable lesson: to be her own biggest advocate.
"If you're not going to advocate for yourself, then no one will," she said.
Her time at MMGY was not just about learning the ropes of marketing but also about discovering her voice and building the confidence to use it.
Her path to this unique opportunity was anything but ordinary, as she was the only student from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to participate in the program.
Her journey into the world of marketing technology was not a linear one. Initially starting with a focus on business management, Cephus, who hails from San Diego, California, soon realized her true passion: selling and advocating for ideas and products. This newfound passion led her to change her major to marketing, leading to MMGY Global.
Dr. Sandra Glover, director of leadership and professional development/student services in SC State’s College of Business and Information Systems, encouraged Cephus to apply for the internship at MMGY Global through the university's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) partnership.
Cephus is a member of the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the American Marketing Association (AMA), HBCU Next Gen Fellow with ColorComm Inc., the Emily E. Clyburn Honors College and is serving her second term as Student Government Association president, making her the second woman in South Carolina state history to do so.
During her internship at MMGY Global, Cephus worked with various clients, including Kampgrounds of America Inc. and Fort Myers’ Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. She collaborated with other interns to pitch a marketing campaign, activations, deck, and multiple concepts to Visit Myrtle Beach. This experience hit close to home for Cephus, as a student in South Carolina. This experience not only allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the marketing industry but also provided her with the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
Her internship served as her introduction to modern corporate America, a place where she not only thrived but also found an environment that made her feel at ease in the corporate world. The modern office space had amenities like mini-golf, diversity and inclusion festivities, and hybrid work schedules. This nurturing atmosphere also provided insights into her future career aspirations.
MMGY Global is a global agency with an impressive clientele. Cephus always knew she wanted to work for an agency, but she was still determining whether she wanted to be part of a large or small agency.
Her internship at MMGY Global gave her a taste of the large-agency experience, which she found to be flexible and enriching. While Cephus still aspires to explore the world of small agencies, her time at MMGY Global provided her with a foundation to build her career.