Reporting by Gia Petersen
Francesca Jones, Ernst and Young (EY) US Director of Early Careers, has a unique passion for winning—winning people, to be exact. Her drive to succeed isn't just about achieving goals; it's about connecting with individuals, appreciating their unique qualities and building lasting relationships. Winning for Jones means not only attracting top talent but also ensuring that each person feels valued and empowered within the EY community.
Jones grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, where life was shaped by the strong work ethic of her family. With grandfathers who worked as coal miners, a mother who served as a bookkeeper and a father who held an administrative role at a local college, Jones was surrounded by examples of dedication and determination. At school, her academic performance was above average, although she admits to occasionally taking naps during history class. "Sometimes, I had more than one job," she recalls, reflecting on how she balanced work with school during both high school and college. Overall, Jones’ work ethic was undeniable.
Jones’ journey to EY began at the University of Charleston, a small private school just up the road from where she grew up. Her entry into the corporate world wasn’t without doubts. After meeting with different accounting firms, Jones remembers telling her mom that she had made a terrible career choice, even considering a pivot into nursing school. However, tides changed when she landed an interview with Ernest and Young. During the interview she found herself in an environment where she felt at home. She realized that EY’s values, including their women’s professional network, aligned with her passion of empowering women in the workplace. Upon receiving her offer, she was filled with so much excitement that she forgot to formally accept it, prompting recruiters to follow up for her response. Almost 20 years later, she is now the United States Early Careers Leader for talent attraction and acquisition at EY.
When asked why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is important to her, Jones hesitated for a second. “It’s a little personal,” she says, with the weight of her experiences evident in her voice. “I always want to know that I can help others open doors.” For Jones, DEI isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s a mission rooted in her own journey and the challenges she has faced. She understands the significance of representation and the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels they have a place at the table. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that you never truly know what goes on behind the scenes, which is why, as a recruiter, it is crucial to believe in candidates you see potential in. When Jones receives resumes, she is always curious about what lies beyond the credentials.
Jones genuinely has a deep passion for helping others move forward, which stems from the mentors in her life that vouched for her. By building authentic relationships, her colleagues connected her with influential people who helped accelerate her career. They had her back and would submit her for job opportunities and connect her with people that helped advance her career. By believing in her, they gave her the chance to shine. In her view, sometimes that’s all it takes to attract top talent —offering them the chance to shine.
For Jones, the most pivotal advice she received in her career: 'If you have a seat at the table and you’re not using it, you’re wasting it.' Someone else will come along who’s eager to take that seat, drive change and uplift others both professionally and personally. This is why it's crucial not only to focus on your own career goals but also to recognize and nurture the potential in those around you. By doing so, you can help elevate others and create a ripple effect of success.
When asked what advice she’d leave Cal Poly students with, she stressed the power of self-confidence paired with environmental awareness. In her view, bringing confidence into every space makes you memorable, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. Environmental awareness, she explained, empowers you to harness your unique strengths and influence the world around you. To her, winning people over means more than just recruiting the top of the class—it’s about believing in them, investing in their potential and watching them thrive.