Hailey Hammons ’20
Organizational Communication and Leadership major
Zoological Animal Specialist
Discovery Cove SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment 

How did Butler prepare you for your career? 
Butler prepared me for many aspects of my career. The College of Communication helped me with my daily public speaking abilities. Butler also helped me with the confidence to reach my goal of becoming a dolphin trainer. 

What skills or knowledge gained at Butler have been most helpful in your career? 
Through my coursework and experiences at Butler, I developed leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills. I use these skills daily as I am a part of a team that works together. Most importantly, my experiences at Butler taught me perseverance. I learned that sticking with something pays off, even though it can be difficult. 

Who influenced you the most while you were a student?
Professor Eileen Taylor influenced me the most by giving me the confidence to pursue my dream job. I use the lessons she taught us regarding leadership, communication, team participation, and problem-solving daily. I recommend everyone to take one of her classes. 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in pursuing a career in this field?
Not many pursue the field that I am in. If you are, however, start as early as you can by volunteering and obtaining internships. Experience is invaluable. Also, be patient and remember it can take time to get a job.