How Miriam Used Every Opportunity to Launch Her Career at Adobe
Some journeys don’t start with a plan, but with impressions. For Miriam Lopez-Jorgensen, one impression led to Ensign College and a future she didn’t expect.
Originally from Ecuador, Miriam was studying marketing at a different school in the U.S. when she felt impressed to look into to Ensign College’s Digital Marketing program. She wanted more hands-on experience—building websites, learning digital sales, and creating online strategies. “I learned all those things in my first semester [at Ensign],” she says.
But what really set Miriam apart wasn’t just what she learned; it was how she used her time as a student to build a powerful career path.
While still in school, Miriam began thinking ahead, and she encourages other students to do the same “What will happen after graduation? That’s something you should start thinking about at least two years before you graduate and begin working toward it.” She made a list of companies she wanted to work for and started applying to them. One of them was Adobe, but after receiving continuous rejections, she began to wonder: “Why? And how can I get their attention? I just need them to know me, but how I can do it?”
Looking at the qualifications, Miriam realized she didn’t meet all of them, so she got to work filling in the gaps. She joined clubs, volunteered after school and on weekends, completed unpaid internships, and networked at events and on LinkedIn to build a standout résumé.
"I realized I needed a résumé that could prove I was capable of what they required, and that I had evidence to back it up. So, I got involved: 18 competitions, including DECA, FBLA, Lion’s Den, CEO, WBENC, and more. And by networking, I was able to strengthen my confidence with new skills and make valuable connections that helped me go from a complete unknown to someone familiar."
When the Adobe Sales Competition came around, Miriam had already built up strong experience and self-assurance.
"I prepared for three months. Two hundred hours total."
She advanced through three intense rounds, finishing with a live presentation at Adobe’s San Jose headquarters. She placed in the top three nationally—even though she wasn’t a sales major.
At the end of the event, her competition mentor encouraged her to ask about an internship. Taking the advice to heart, she approached the Adobe director and said, “I’d love to intern here—please keep me in mind.” Weeks later, one of the managers told her, “Your interview happened at the competition, and you did fantastically.”
However, the internship wasn’t the end of the road. Miriam kept pushing forward. “English isn’t my first language, and I wasn’t a sales major. So, I’d come home and study and practice. I also stayed active outside of work—I joined the Hispanic Network at Adobe, participated in the AI focus group, and became the social activities lead.” At the end of her internship, she delivered a 20-minute presentation on her accomplishments and was offered a full-time role in the Marketing & Sales department.
Miriam encourages students to take full advantage of everything college has to offer. She fondly recalls attending devotional for what she calls her “extra vitamins”: “You feel more intelligent, more spiritual, and more prepared,” she says. For her, attending devotional felt like glitter falling from heaven—a shimmering blend of light and opportunity.
Miriam also emphasizes the transformative power of extracurricular activities. “Doing extracurriculars is exactly what the word says—it gives you EXTRA, putting you above average!” she explains. “Getting involved shows yourself, God, and others that you're motivated and capable of more than just studying. These experiences open doors—events, competitions, and networking—that can lead to internships, job offers, and opportunities you might not have otherwise. As a student, people want to help because they see you as the future. That willingness to support your growth is a true superpower.”
Miriam’s final advice is to always aim high. "Even if your first choice doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other paths—some even better than you expected. The key isn’t just to wait for opportunities, but to create them. Put yourself in a position where possibilities multiply.”
At this stage in her career, Miriam is excited to keep growing and learning. “Adobe values continuous learning, and I’m proud to be a lifelong student because there’s always something new to learn and apply—like AI.” She reminds students that being a student isn’t just a phase; it’s a real superpower.
Ready to use your superpower and launch your career? Connect with an admissions advisor at Ensign College and start your journey today.