At the conclusion of each semester, the WVU Marketing Communications Programs are excited to celebrate our graduates. Meet the members of the class of Fall 2021 who have successfully completed their studies!
"West Virginia is incredibly important to me, so being able to use my degrees to help make it a better place is something that I really love and enjoy. It's a beautiful state, and I'm happy to be able to raise my son here and work here."
Chelsea Bricker
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications with AOE in
Digital and Social Media
Digital Content Editor, WVU Tech
Beckley, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Strategic Communications from WVU as a non traditional student. My son was 4 at the time, and he watched me work hard while also being a single mom. After working in the industry for a few years, I made the decision to pursue my degree in IMC to broaden my education and also show my son that hard work pays off.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Web Metrics and SEO. I enjoyed learning how to solve real life puzzles in marketing. It's like science, but with writing. Such a cool thing to learn in marketing!
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
Time management was the most important thing for me to learn. Don't wait until the last minute to do work, and don't be afraid to reach out to your professors for help. I had really incredible professors who didn't hesitate to respond to my questions with feedback, assistance, or tips.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I am proud to work at WVU Tech in the University Relations department. I work with a great team helping to make WVU Tech an even more amazing campus in the community that I grew up in.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
West Virginia is incredibly important to me, so being able to use my degrees to help make it a better place is something that I really love and enjoy. It's a beautiful state, and I'm happy to be able to raise my son here and work here.
"Absolutely do it, sign up for something that may be out of your comfort zone because, in the end, you will learn so much."
Hillary Herczeg
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Digital Marketing Specialist at KSA&D (Kraemer Schurman Advertising & Design)
Allentown, Pa
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
When I started looking around at schools, I was unsure of what I wanted my master's in. I graduated with an undergraduate degree in communication studies with a minor in public relations. At the time I was traveling for the job I had so I knew that I needed something flexible that I could take with me wherever I went. I then came across the WVU Digital Marketing Communications program and felt this would be a great opportunity to grow on the side of marketing and social media so I decided to apply for the program and got accepted.
What was your favorite course and why?
I would say my favorite course would have been the Digital Video Production course. I really learned a lot about how to use Adobe as well as creating a video for a company or things that I enjoy doing. It really inspired me to keep learning new software because you never know when something may be beneficial to use.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
Absolutely do it, sign up for something that may be out of your comfort zone because, in the end, you will learn so much.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
My plan is to continue to grow in my current role. I would love to also become an adjunct professor to help others learn about digital marketing!
Anything you’d like to add?
"If you can dream it, you can do it" -Walt Disney
"Because of WVU IMC, I am already in my dream profession of working in collegiate athletics, with the hopes to work my way into the professional world of sports."
Kaylee Taylor Huddleston
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Marketing Assistant at Florida State University Athletics
Originally from Charleston, WV and now currently residing in Tallahassee, FL
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree to expand my horizons and opportunities in the sports industry. I knew I wanted to find a program that would fulfill my needs, and the Digital Marketing Communications emphasis aspired me to take on challenges and form connections of a lifetime. Because of WVU IMC, I am already in my dream profession of working in collegiate athletics, with the hopes to work my way into the professional world of sports.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Mobile Marketing with Professor Bob Bentz. This course opened my eyes for a new appreciation of marketing in a mobile-centric world. Mobile marketing is essential to our everyday lives, especially as digital marketing communicators.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
If I could give any advice to those considering the programs, I would 100% recommend the challenge because of the amount of opportunities and relationships you form in such a short amount of time. I could not be more grateful for the WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Program and all of its offerings.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
In September 2021, I accepted a Marketing Assistant position with Florida State University Athletics as the start of my career in sports. As for future goals, I am striving to move up in marketing and communications, with hopes of becoming a director of marketing and communications at the collegiate athletic/professional level!
"Marketing is very much about the data today, and the Data program allowed me to dive into the new data that exists today and gain a deep understanding of how to incorporate it into a successful marketing plan."
Kaitlin Scoffone
M.S. Data Marketing Communications
Digital Curator/ORISE Fellow, National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics
Ocean City, MD
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I wanted to set myself up for success by gaining the right set of skills to advance my career. Marketing is very much about the data today, and the Data program allowed me to dive into the new data that exists today and gain a deep understanding of how to incorporate it into a successful marketing plan.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Data Visualization because it was totally out of my wheelhouse! I came to find that data viz is actually something I love to do, and I now take advantage of the skills I learned during that course in my day-to-day role at NCSES.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
Do it! The experience was wonderful, the skills gained are indisputably valuable, and the confidence gained is empowering.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I am currently serving a fellowship with the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, so I plan to continue that and see where my career takes me from there!
"The Data program is small and feels like family. Throughout the program, I was able to speak one-on-one with classmates and truly got to know how they think and how innovative they are. If you are looking to take the next step in marketing, this program is for you."
Michael A. Wilson Jr.
M.S. Data Marketing Communications
Marketing Operations Specialist, SHI International Corp.
Somerset, NJ
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree during the pandemic. I was sitting at home and I wanted to better myself and increase my knowledge level within Marketing Communications. Once I started looking, I found the Data program and it was a game-changer. I was just moved to a Marketing Operations within the company and I had no skill set. The Data program provided me with the necessary tools to be an effective marketer. It gave me the knowledge to use data and tell a story about marketing campaigns that are run within the company.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was easily the DMC 680 Campaigns course with Professor Cyndi Greenglass. This was my favorite course because I learned how to properly budget for a campaign, locate a target audience, build personas, test the campaign, and present my findings. Each assignment was relevant to the course content and captured the previous week's momentum. I have never been a part of campaign development, so this was a welcomed opportunity to use my ideas and build my unique campaign for the company that was selected for the capstone.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
I would tell anyone considering the program to come to your decision with an open mind. The professors are here to help you and take your knowledge base to the next level. The pacing is manageable, but always make sure you place your mental health first and lessen your course load if you feel burnt out. The Data program is small and feels like family. Throughout the program, I was able to speak with the same group of cohorts and truly got to know how they think and how innovative they are. If you are looking to take the next step in marketing, this program is for you.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
My plan after graduation is to find a new place of employment. I have been with SHI for about eight years. I am now looking for the next great opportunity to come to fruition. I want to relocate to Texas or Arizona and achieve the salary I always dreamed I would receive. Hopefully, I can become a CMO for a company or open my own marketing firm to help small to medium businesses in the future. I want to constantly grow within this marketing space, and my goals align with this purpose. Before I started the Data program, I was lost in what I wanted to achieve professionally. Now that I have completed the program, it is clear that I belong within a marketing agency or with a company leading its marketing team.
Anything you'd like to add?
I want to add my sincerest gratitude to my cohorts for pushing me to be better. I want to thank my family and friends for allowing me to complain that full-time work and school were stressful but supported me all the same and encouraged me. I want to thank the professors for honing and developing my thought processes and not allowing mediocrity. I want to thank West Virginia University for granting me acceptance into what will undoubtedly change the trajectory of my professional career. I want to thank my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for pushing me to yearn for tremendous success. I want to thank the community of Plainfield, NJ, for always welcoming back with open arms and telling me that they've been watching my growth and success and saying my story inspires them. Lastly, I would like to thank my mother for her continued protection. Completing this program has been bitter-sweet, but I am sure she has been with me every step of the way in spirit. I'll leave my thoughts by sharing a quote by Winnie the Pooh that I love: "You get to where you are going by walking away from where you have been."
"No matter where one might be in their stage of life, any goal or dream can still happen as long as they are willing to put in the work. Ask yourself — what is it that you want, why do you want it and how are you going to get it done. With passion, patience and persistence, anything is possible."
Jesse Yang
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications with an
AOE in Creative Strategy
Videographer, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I always knew I wanted to pursue my master’s degree, but I didn’t know what program and when would be a good time to do this. The West Virginia University's Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program was appealing because of its strong reputation in giving students a rigorous, practical academic foundation in marketing communications that they could then apply directly in their professional careers while going through the program.
I also wanted a program that could help me better understand my work and give me the skills to be a more effective visual communicator and strategist. The program gave me that and much more. My skills in understanding and integrating video with storytelling has been strengthened through course offerings, like Audience Insight, Brand Equity Management and Digital Storytelling, to name a few.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Advanced Creative Concepts (IMC 625). It taught me how to think and create content with a strategic approach. I learned best practices for creating visual designs and content for an intended audience while also strengthening my skills in producing promotional materials for various communication and delivery channels -- all of which were created for and directly benefited a local business of my choosing. I also received honest and constructive feedback from my instructor, which helped me feel empowered and encouraged to improve upon my work. This course helped me be a more effective, visual communicator through design and storytelling.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
There is no better time than now to pursue graduate school, especially in a program like WVU’s M.S. in IMC. The marketing industry is constantly changing, and even more so now amidst an ongoing global pandemic. Businesses and companies have to be ready to pivot, execute messages effectively and meet their audiences' needs and wants where they are. The IMC program equips one with the foundational strategies and concepts to successfully make that happen.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
My hope is to implement skills learned in this program and combine them with my passion in telling stories through video. Additionally, I am interested in exploring mentorship opportunities to help the next generation of visual storytellers.
Anything you’d like to add?
No matter where one might be in their stage of life, any goal or dream can still happen as long as they are willing to put in the work. Ask yourself — what is it that you want, why do you want it and how are you going to get it done. With passion, patience and persistence, anything is possible.
"I felt more up-to-speed in professional meetings and was already contributing ideas and insight gained from the program. If you are worried about time or commitments, I encourage you to keep an open mind as you research programs and consider how this may support your professional development goals."
Mary Emma Young
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Senior Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, Pet Food Institute
Washington, DC
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I first decided to seek a graduate degree to help remain competitive in the DC job market, and was particularly drawn to the WVU IMC program due to the work-friendly online program and coursework that provided real-world learnings. WVU’s graduate degree program offered so many professional development benefits that could help me be a better communications professional.
What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course in the program was Content Marketing. This is such an important area of practice in marketing communications, so I knew that it would be critical to have a firm grasp on the subject matter and execution. At the same time, it also allowed for creativity! I love writing and finding power in words – Content Marketing helped me combine strategic marketing with creative writing.
What advice do you have to those considering the programs?
If anyone is considering the WVU IMC program, especially those like me who are working full-time, try not to feel intimidated or worried about the work ahead! This program provided so many practical lessons that, even just a few weeks into the program, I felt more up-to-speed in professional meetings and was already contributing ideas and insight gained from the program. If you are worried about time or commitments, I encourage you to keep an open mind as you research programs and consider how this may support your professional development goals.
What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?
I’m looking forward to further applying my learnings in the workplace! I already have more experience and understanding across communications practices, and will look for new ways and opportunities to leverage my coursework for years to come.
Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!