From Small Business Roots to Corporate Strategy: Daisy Perez Makes Her Mark at AT&T

Daisy Perez, a marketing student in the College of Business at East Texas A&M University, recently completed the competitive 2025 Summer Marketing Growth Organization Internship with AT&T. Her path to one of the nation's top digital marketing programs was shaped by deep-rooted entrepreneurial values, a passion for storytelling, and a readiness to embrace meaningful connections.

Perez's interest in marketing began long before she stepped into AT&T's corporate offices. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, she helped run her parents' business, taking on tasks like boosting sales and managing customer experience. It was there she learned that building strong relationships is the foundation of any successful brand. That belief was solidified during a chance conversation with a client who worked at AT&T, whose story inspired Perez to explore internship opportunities with the company.

“From growing up in a small business family to navigating college and motherhood, every step forward in my journey has come through meaningful connections,” Perez said. “I especially now resonate with AT&T's message that ‘Connection Changes Everything'—because for me, it has.”

An impactful Internship

At AT&T, Perez collaborated with cross-functional teams on a project focused on improving internal alignment and communication. The experience was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“It really challenged me to think critically, ask the right questions, and translate feedback into actionable solutions,” she shared. “I used to think of marketing as mostly external, but I've seen how critical internal coordination is to launch campaigns with purpose and clarity.”

Courses in the College of Business gave Perez the foundation she needed to succeed in a fast-paced corporate environment.

“The assignments I completed in class strengthened my time management and project planning skills,” she said. “Because of that, I entered my internship feeling more confident and was able to take on tasks, stay organized, and deliver quality work on time.”

While balancing school and parenthood limited her access to campus resources, she encouraged fellow students to take full advantage of the opportunities available at ETAMU.

“This internship showed me how valuable workshops and networking events can be,” she reflected. “Even small interactions can lead to career momentum.”

Words of Wisdom

Perez emphasized the importance of building relationships within the workplace, noting how open communication helped her connect with colleagues across departments.

“In a fast-paced environment like AT&T, it can be easy to second-guess yourself,” Perez said. “But people are more than willing to help if you just ask. A short, respectful email can lead to a meaningful conversation. Learning comes with questions—and sometimes it takes engagement and community to grow.”

When asked what advice she would offer other students pursuing internships at major companies, Perez offered a message of encouragement as well as emphasized the importance of networking, be it on LinkedIn or other platforms.

“Start by building your network and staying connected. Even small accomplishments are worth sharing. What truly matters is your passion, your willingness to learn, and how you present your story,” she said. “One of the best pieces of advice I received was that even the greatest idea holds little weight if you can't communicate it clearly. Your ability to tell your story with clarity and purpose is one of your most valuable tools.”

Reflecting on her time at AT&T, Perez credits both the company's collaborative culture and ETAMU's academic foundation for helping her grow. As she prepares for the next chapter in her marketing journey, she carries with her a message that applies to any student: clarity, connection, and curiosity can open doors to unexpected opportunities—and lasting impact.