Jolie earned her degree in Education, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in 2022, but her edtech story started way earlier. Raised in San Francisco, she grew up next door to scrappy startups in the infamous valley of innovation, using tools that would soon become edtech giants—from BrainPOP videos to Quizlet flashcards. In 2020, Jolie built a summer study toolkit to help her 10-year-old brother stay on track during the pandemic—a small project that grew into custom study plans for a dozen families at her hometown library and opened her eyes to edtech's real impact. By day, she’s a Product Marketing Manager at Newsela, sharing literacy insights with educators to help their students win in the classroom. By night, she’s exploring how literacy edtech can help high school students see motivating career pathways through any ELA text.
Required classes always tied back to the education field, which made the learning feel relevant. I learned R and designed qualitative research projects—all through the lens of how I’d use those skills in an education-focused role.
How did the Education Studies program help you prepare for your career?
The program, along with key internships, showed me just how many ways exist to make an impact in education. I explored advocacy, policy, journalism, and marketing before landing on the path that felt most meaningful—one where I could use my strengths and passions to give back to students in a truly valuable way.
What was your favorite part of the Education Studies program?
Required classes always tied back to the education field, which made the learning feel relevant. I learned R and designed qualitative research projects—all through the lens of how I’d use those skills in an education-focused role.
Was there an Education Studies course, professor, or particular challenge that sticks with you?
Professor Gold’s Education and Social Entrepreneurship course. Even though I was raised on edtech, this course was the first time I realized that the business and science of K-12 work together.
How did you end up in your current role?
I’ve worked in literacy edtech for a few years, and it’s a tight-knit space where relationships matter. A connection from my former marketing leader helped open the door, and from there, I was able to sell myself throughout the interview process.
What is your favorite part of your current job position?
I love thinking through the right mix of marketing activities to show customers the value of edtech. Strategizing how to translate complex ideas into compelling messages is frustrating but rewarding.
Do you have any advice for current or prospective students?
Sometimes you have to cold apply because you’re so green and don’t have the connections yet. Read the job description, add the right keywords to your resume, and cold DM professionals at that company, letting them know you applied.