God in every step: Hayley Eberhard's story of success | BYU-Idaho

Hayley Eberhard became Director of Marketing for Crispy Cones right out of college. She attributes her success God's influence in every step.

BYU-Idaho fell last on the list when Eberhard applied to college. She planned on heading to Provo after high school and attending BYU.

The time to decide on a college grew nearer and suddenly BYU didn't seem quite right. Eberhard got down on her knees and asked for direction. "I was praying about it, and I felt like I should just see if Idaho would be a better fit," she said.

Eberhard began to look into BYUI. She started to research, and things just fell into place. "I got housing, I got a job, and it just felt right," she said.

This was the first experience seeing God's hand in building her future. She found her place at a university she otherwise wouldn't have considered. "I went up to BYUI as a last resort and I fell in love," she said.

Eberhard's second experience came in deciding her major. She originally planned to enter the medical field.

She received her CNA in high school and worked in a psychiatry center from ages 16 to 19. "I just thought nursing was for me," she said.

The plan changed during Eberhard's first year at BYUI. "I took a marketing class and fell in love with it," she said.

On Eberhard's first day in a beginner marketing course her professor told a story that inspired her. A student had dreamed of working in marketing for the NFL.

The student worked hard to earn a position and then started making phone calls. In the end he was able to get an internship with a professional football team.

This story opened Eberhard's eyes to what marketing could be. "I saw that I would get to market for brands that I truly am passionate about and that I'm excited about and I get to help them succeed," she said.

After finishing her first her at BYUI, Eberhard chose to serve a mission. She was called to serve in Armenia, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she served the first part of her mission in Nashville, Tennessee.

Eberhard was asked to be the social media specialist for her mission. She helped start a social media page and their mission became the number one social media mission in the world.

That was when her interest in marketing became love. "I really fell in love with marketing, and I saw the impact that I could have with the gospel," she said. This experience gave Eberhard further proof that God was directing her path.

Eberhard began to network once she returned to school as a step toward her dream career. She reached out to business owners in Rexburg and connected with Kate Carlson, co-founder of Crispy Cones.

Soon after graduation Eberhard was scrolling through LinkedIn looking for a job when she saw a position at Crispy Cones. She read through the listing and got excited when she realized she filled every requirement.

Hayley EberhardHer connection and experience made her perfect for the job that miraculously appeared before her. "I was really excited about it, so I just applied out of the blue," she said. "Within 10 minutes she had messaged me back and asked me to come in."

Now in a position she loves, Eberhard continues to receive guidance from God. "There's been many times where I have the data in front of me and I know what we're doing isn't working so I just say a prayer," she said. "I ask God to guide me, and he's never failed me."

The experience from college to career taught Eberhard a lasting lesson. She said, "It really has left an impression on my heart that I can turn to God for everything."

See examples of Hayley's work on her marketing portfolio website.