Jonathan Rundle

1. What motivated you to pursue the Integrated Marketing Communications master's program at WVU?

I entered the workforce as a graphic designer and web developer, but I quickly realized I had a knack for strategy and a curiosity about using data to drive broader impact. The IMC program felt like the right way to build on that foundation and open new doors professionally.

2. What part of the program helped you the most in your current career?

The ability to communicate with and genuinely understand stakeholders, customers, and clients. I've worked in-house, in agencies, and in tech, and this skill has carried me through every stage. When it's missing from a project or relationship, everyone feels it.

3. Were there any courses, projects, or faculty mentors that had a significant impact on your professional development?

I took the capstone project seriously and gave it everything I had. It was the culmination of everything the degree had built toward. Since graduating, I've stayed connected through the Integrate conference and by mentoring grad students for three years. The faculty and administration genuinely care about the program and the students, and it shows.

4. Can you share a bit about your career path since graduating?

I started the program in West Virginia and moved to Seattle midway through (where I've now lived for almost 20 years). Seattle's strong economy gave me the flexibility to explore a wide range of marketing and technology roles, learning more skills in more industries than is typical. Agency life was formative. I loved the creativity and found a real passion for winning new business as an Account Executive. Now, as Head of Marketing at ChemPoint, I try to bring that energy while leading an in-house team and delivering for the business.

5. Which skills learned from the program do you use most in your current role?

The courage to ask "why," the ability to ideate the "how," and the energy to rally people around a vision with creativity and clarity. And the value of data storytelling has only grown since I graduated. Being able to anchor decisions in real numbers is something I rely on constantly.

6. What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of since completing the program?

Reaching this Head of Marketing role is something I'm proud of, obviously. I value the range of experiences that got me here (in-house, agency, and tech). Beyond my own career, mentoring IMC grad students and my team members has been genuinely rewarding.  Watching others grow in this field keeps me connected to why I pursued the degree in the first place.

7. What advice would you give to someone considering the IMC program?

Experiment, be creative, and move forward without fear. Fail often, and learn from your successes as much as your mistakes. Seek feedback and take it seriously. Document your work, tie it to metrics and KPIs, and be able to articulate how you saw a vision through from idea to execution. Learn to pick the right spots to exhibit confidence or humility.

9. What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?

I love travel photography and experiencing new cultures. I'm almost always thinking about the next destination, usually a beach, historic site, or national park.

10. Any fun facts, hobbies, or personal interests you'd like to share?

I'm passionate about motorcycling and love merging it with travel and photography. The journey from the seat of a motorcycle enhances how you initially experience and remember a place.