Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Hello! I’m Sophia Ballard, a graduate from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Marketing Management and minor in Strategic Communications, Public Relations, and Advertising. My career has naturally blended both marketing and sales--two areas I am equally passionate about, just for different reasons. Marketing fuels my creativity and strategic thinking, and sales challenges me to connect, communicate, and deliver real value. I’m currently part of the Sales Development Program at UnitedHealthcare, where I help individuals understand Medicare solutions and make confident healthcare decisions. This role has strengthened my ability to simplify complex information, build trust quickly, and lead conversations with empathy. I have never been afraid of working hard, and so being able to get rewarded for the work you put in is right up my alley. During my Marketing Internship at Deluxe Corporation, I gained firsthand experience in the B2B world. I designed and executed a webinar—“Receivables Modernization: Enhancing Cash with Innovation”—from concept to delivery, created Sales Plays and Digital Sales Rooms, and became proficient in Salesforce, Workfront, ZoomInfo, and 6sense. Before that, my sales role at Bankers Life gave me a fast-paced introduction to B2C insurance. Making 300+ cold calls a day taught me perseverance, follow-through, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with customers. My favorite part of this job was being face‑to‑face with our clients, whether at their kitchen table or in a coffee shop, learning about their pain points and finding a solution. This experience truly deepened my love for building and nurturing meaningful relationships Outside of corporate roles, I’ve spent the past eight years waitressing at multiple establishments. Those experiences shaped my work ethic, communication style, and ability to stay organized at a while balancing two to three jobs at a time. Mentors and colleagues describe me as personable, driven, organized, eager to learn, and someone who has never been afraid to work hard. I genuinely value connection — whether in a professional setting or everyday interactions. I would love to connect!
- Conducted training to over 5 new employees, honing attention towards steps of customer service. - Adapted to the changing needs of thousands of customers in order to deliver a high-quality dining experience alongside corporate policy. - Leveraged outgoing personality in order to provide positive experiences for guests. - Balanced being a full-time student as well as two other jobs at one time in order to financially provide for my academic degree.
- Embraced a community of like-minded woman who all have a strong desire to be leaders in the business world. - Hosted guest speakers bi-weekly in order to inform young business professionals about their experiences and inspire the future of business professionals.
- Provide one-on-one mentorship to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in business at University of Saint Thomas. - Offer guidance and support in areas such as career planning, academic success, networking, and personal development. - Was a mentor to multiple mentees in both their professional and personal lives.
- Engage in opportunities to learn from industry professionals through guest speaker sessions, workshops, and networking events organized by the marketing club. - Actively participate in club activities and initiatives to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among members. - Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication in representing the marketing club both on and off-campus.
- Designed and curated a webinar from concept to execution: Receivables Modernization: Enhancing Cash with Innovation. - Developed strategic Sales Plays and Digital Rooms for the Sales Team. - Trained in key platforms including Salesforce, Workfront, ZoomInfo, and 6sense. - Delivered a final presentation to an audience of over 150 colleagues in person, summarizing my internship achievements and the value I added. - Facilitated over 35 meet-and-greet sessions across the Enterprise.
- Achieved both my Life and Health Insurance License in order to deliver the best quality of service possible. - Responsible for building a robust pipeline of life customers through targeted outreach. - Discovered a passion for client relations, accommodating client's needs with great results. - Used exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and explain complex insurance concepts in a clear and concise manner.