Marketing engineer: Staying in Sioux Falls was ‘one of the best decisions I’ve made’
May 14, 2019
This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jenna Jares, a senior marketing engineer at Click Rain.
Name: Jenna Jares
Age: 27
Hometown: Sioux Falls
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
After 3 1/2 years in Minnesota for college and Colorado for internships, I had to decide where I wanted to start my career post-graduation. I wasn’t ready to make any big moves right after graduation, so I decided to explore internship opportunities in Sioux Falls. I accepted an internship at a local advertising agency, and after a few months, I was offered a full-time position.
What keeps you in Sioux Falls?
I considered moving out of state to Colorado or California in my early 20s, but I decided to make a job change before uprooting myself from Sioux Falls. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made! After taking a position at Click Rain, life seemed to fall into place. I found a fitness studio I loved, Form Fitness, which led me to pursue my RYT 200 – Registered Yoga Teacher – in 2017. All in all – my family, friends, career, yoga community and my cozy home with two pups keep me here.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I love that the marketing technology landscape is ever-changing and no two days are the same. There is always something new to learn!
How did you get connected to your industry?
My major in college was marketing, but I didn’t necessarily know where my degree would take me. My first position out of college was a digital coordinator intern. It ended up being a natural fit!
Describe Click Rain in three words.
Innovative. Fun. Caring.
What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?
One of my favorite organizations to be a part of is Girls on the Run, a physical activity-based program for girls in third through fifth grades. I’ve been a volunteer coach for four years, the last two years at an elementary school in my neighborhood. I strongly believe in the importance of inspiring girls at a young age to be healthy, confident and joyful. It is extremely rewarding to be a positive and uplifting role model in these girls’ lives.
What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?
I would be the happiest human if a Thai restaurant opened up in Sioux Falls.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continuing to pursue a profession I’m passionate about while holding true to my main priorities — faith, family and work, in that order. I’m thankful for the work/life balance Click Rain has taught me! Outside of work, I find my garden growing each year. I hope to have quite the hobby farm in five years!