Jayla Ores needed a change.
After starting her career in media, including a role as a radio producer, Jayla wanted to try something different — but not so radically different that she couldn’t smoothly transition into a new field.
That’s when she learned about a marketing job at Cox Automotive through a family friend.
“When I heard ‘automotive,’ I thought, ‘But I don’t work on cars,’” she said. “Now I realize there’s so much more here. There’s something for everyone.”
Jayla joined the Cox team as a marketing support specialist at Manheim about a year ago; she says the work and the atmosphere has been a pleasant change.
“The culture felt very inviting since day one,” Jayla explained. “Everyone has been very nice and welcoming, and a lot of my work here is appreciated. They’re open to my ideas and I don’t feel overlooked.”
In her marketing role, Jayla helps with multiple projects, including crafting social media posts, coordinating event signage and decorations and running on-site promotions. She also assists with early-bird games at auctions to create a fun, celebratory atmosphere.
As a “people person,” Jayla said she enjoys the opportunity to interact with others both inside and outside the office.
Looking forward by returning to school
Before changing careers, Jayla applied for an accelerated graduate school program to work on her master’s degree in marketing.
Not only has Cox allowed Jayla extra flexibility to work around her intense school schedule, but she is also utilizing Cox’s tuition reimbursement program, which pays her back for much of her out-of-pocket school-related expenses.
Grad school is part of Jayla’s intentional pivot, which she hopes will eventually include moving up within the company.
“I see myself growing into a higher level than where I am now,” she said.
Maintaining balance and positivity
With so much of her time divided between work and grad school, Jayla said that that staying present has been especially important for her mental and physical health. She enjoys spending her free time at the gym, where she’s been practicing aerial fitness for the past two years.
“It’s important to maintain that strong work-life balance because if you’re not good mentally, you can’t perform efficiently anywhere else,” she said.
Jayla added that being able to see the positive results of her work efforts has also been uplifting: “For example, if I create and post a video on our social media channels, and I see that our engagement has boosted, then I'm happy,” she explained. “Clearly, I'm doing something correct, and that feels good.”
Important lessons for career growth
Working at Manheim Atlanta, Jayla has learned the value of asking questions and appreciates her team’s willingness to help.
“My managers and supervisors have been very helpful and nice, so I never feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t ask this. This may be dumb.’ They're always open,” she said. “They give me constructive criticism, and they give me praise.”
Through that constructive criticism, Jayla said she’s learned the value of making mistakes.
“It’s OK if you make mistakes as long as you learn from those mistakes and do better moving forward,” she said. “Just make sure you’re doing your job to the best of your ability and give yourself grace.”
And finally, Jayla stresses the value of being willing to change — or “pivot” — when given the chance.
“Try not to stay too regimented in your plan, because you never know what life may throw at you or what opportunities may fall in your lap,” she said.
For Jayla, Cox opened that door for new opportunity — and she feels supported to continue her journey here.
“It’s a really good company to work for,” she said. “I’m continuing to work toward moving forward, taking it day by day.”
