Each semester the WVU Marketing Communications Online Programs is excited to welcome a new group of individuals into the MCNetwork. The WVU Marketing Communications graduate student population consistently varies in their levels of experience and expertise, with some just completing their undergraduate studies to those holding senior-leadership positions at the worlds most elite agencies and brands. Each students brings unique style and perspective to the program.
Meet some of the students who will be joining the WVU Marketing Communications Network in the early spring semester:
Temitayo Adesokan
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Grad Assistant for WVU Football in the creative department and WVU MAC as a creative
film/photo
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Outside of Marketing Communications, my interest are film/photography. I really enjoy film and taking photos, I also love to eat but most of all I really enjoy learning during my free time.
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communication graduate degree because I knew how much down the line this degree could help me. I also really enjoy the curriculum and the resources that they offer to their students and alums.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
During my studies here at WVU I am looking forward to the most is growing in knowledge, expending my network/ growing personal, building relationships and helping.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
After graduation, I am hoping that my degree will advance my career by giving me more of an understanding of marketing and communication because I feel that those skills are very important in any job that I decided to do in the future.
Jill Gibboney
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
With PR Leadership AOE
Digital Communications & Education Associate at LifeCenter Organ Donation
Network
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Outside of my role, I'm into music, cross-stitching, and when covid isn't a thing, the occasional happy hour with friends. I serve on two boards: one at the local government level that deals with accessibility issues with infrastructures and special events, and one that's a local arts non-profit. I'm also a disability rights advocate.
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose WVU because of how the program was structured. I was actually applying to a different program when covid hit and I lost my job, so I decided to pause for a bit and spend time looking into other options. When I found WVU's Integrated Marketing Communications program, I really loved how you could tailor your experience to truly get the specific education you are seeking. For me, this means I could add a specialty in Public Relations Leadership, and that was perfect for my path.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Aside from an advanced degree and being the first to obtain one in my family, I'm hoping to gain new perspectives and education from industry leaders, as well as academics. This hybrid model of instruction is very exciting to me.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I'm hopeful that my degree will prepare me to advance into future leadership roles within my industry and volunteer positions.
Taylor Huddleston
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Intern with the Marshall University Athletics Sports Information Department
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
My interests outside of Marketing Communications include attending and covering sporting events, traveling and spending time with family.
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree in order to better myself as a person. I am a huge advocate for the women in sports initiative and a storyteller. Everyone deserves their story to be told and I feel honored to be the voice. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and it was destined that I chose WVU. I want to expand my horizons in the sports industry and being accepted into this prestigious graduate program will only enhance and challenge my ability to be the best I can be, as a person and as a female sports journalist.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am looking forward to connecting and learning from other students and professors the most throughout my studies. I am eager to be a part of something that is bigger than itself. Networking and connections, along with intense hard work and dedication, can only make myself a better human. I want to make a change in this world.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope my degree will advance my career after graduation by landing me a job in the professional sports industry working for an athletic team in any sport. I have a huge passion for sports and storytelling. With this degree, I will be able to take knowledge and professionalism and turn it into success as a female sports journalist.
Leonard Hunt
M.S. Data Marketing Communications
Senior Analyst, Global Social Media Analytics at Nickelodeon International
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I teach pilates part time and enjoy finding new dubstep sets to listen to while working out.
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose to pursue the Data Marketing Communications degree for personal and professional reasons. I've always wanted to take my education to the next level and the timing just felt right!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I'm looking forward to making connections. IMO, a higher education is what you make of it, so I want to try and build as many relationships as I can! @LeonardHunt
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I want (my current) and any future employers to see that, yes, my expertise is in social media data / analytics, but I'm comfortable with handling other data sets to extract insights for a marketing strategy. I aspire to be the data analyst of all trades (DaOAT).
Abigail Lawhead
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
With Digital and Social AOE
Sales representative at Cellular Sales Verizon
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
My interests outside of marketing communications include photography, videography and reporting.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I’m really looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and making lifetime connections! I can’t wait to learn from people in this industry and how I can use my skills in the real world.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I’m hopeful that this degree will allow me to make an impact in my community one day.
Raven Shingleton
M.S. Data Marketing Communications
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I enjoy cycling on my Peloton, hiking, climbing at Gritstone and taking my cat for walks by the lake.
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
Over the years I sort of fell into coordinating events and creating brand awareness for different companies I worked for, as well as providing marketing advice for a few entrepreneurs. I eventually came to realize that I not only enjoy helping people market their businesses, I’m also pretty good at it. It’s great to see outcomes and customer attrition rates soar through improved marketing strategies and motivated partnerships.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I was ecstatic to discover WVU had an online Master’s program that seemed created just for me. I was able to tailor my class schedule to fit my life and the courses cover many of the topics I had been hoping to delve into a bit more. I’m looking forward to being part of WVU’s proud alumni and having world-class marketing skills under my belt!
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I am hoping to utilize my degree through employment as a fully fledged Marketing Consultant.
Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!