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 spring semester:
I chose to to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications degree because I want to further my knowledge of the advertising/digital marketing industry, as well as gain additional skills for my career development. Leah Deboe
Leah Deboe
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Digital Account Executive, Twitter, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose to to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications degree because I want to further my knowledge of the advertising/digital marketing industry, as well as gain additional skills for my career development. The program covers an array of IMC topics, plus it was great to see the program’s schedule accommodates working professionals. I’m so happy I chose WVU IMC program.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Outside of Marketing Communications, you can find me at my CrossFit gym or trying new restaurants with friends (I’m a foodie). I’ve also gained an interest in content creation, so I like to spend my free time learning.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Besides learning all things IMC, I’m most looking forward to networking with other students and faculty!
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
With this degree, I hope to advance my career into the global advertising and/or marketing organization within the tech space.
I wanted to advance my knowledge and Marketing skills in my professional life. I can’t wait to apply the skills I will learn from this program to the Healthcare field. Alyssa Hansrote
Alyssa Hansrote
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications with Healthcare Communications AOE
Social Media Assistant, The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park
Morgantown, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I wanted to advance my knowledge and Marketing skills in my professional life. I can’t wait to apply the skills I will learn from this program to the Healthcare field.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I enjoy listening to True Crime podcasts and spending time with my family!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am looking forward to learning more about Marketing in Healthcare!
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope that the Marketing and networking skills I will learn in this program will help me stand out from other applicants when applying to jobs.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
My New Year’s Resolution is to do well in my first semester of graduate school! That is my number 1 resolution and I intend to achieve that resolution!
I've been looking at this program for about 5 years but never took the leap until last November when I attended a virtual info session and decided to apply. I like the flexibility the program offers. Ashley Jones
Ashley Jones
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications with Higher Education Marketing AOE
Assistant Director of Engagement Communication for the Office of Alumni and Career
Services, Longwood University
Farmville, VA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I've been looking at this program for about 5 years but never took the leap until last November when I attended a virtual info session and decided to apply. I like the flexibility the program offers. When you're working and attending school, it's a lot easier to commit to 8 weeks at a time vs. a traditional 16 week semester. I also enjoyed the fact that a lot (or all) of the faculty work in the industry. Marketing and Social Media change all the time, and unless you're working in the industry, it can be hard to keep up.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I’m a mixed bag of hobbies and interests, but my most recent hobby is roasting and flavoring my own coffee beans; it came in handy when thinking of gifts for friends and family during the holidays. I also recently got into LARPing and D&D, both of which have been great hobbies for me to continue with my mixed media art and crafting props. I also enjoy reading, cooking and baking, symphonic and power metal, and snuggles with my dogs. Like I said, I’m a mixed bag.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Taking what I learn in the classroom and integrating it into my work. I'm also looking forward to networking with other students and bouncing ideas off of each other.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I'm hoping to move to central comms for a university, and maybe teach one class as an adjunct.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
I actually don't have any right now, unless maintaining my sanity counts?
I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications degree because it will broadened my understanding of Marketing Communications. With the knowledge I’ll learn from this degree it will allow me to have a wide range of opportunities to improve my professional career. Alex Kraus
Alex Kraus
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
West Virginia
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications degree because it will broadened my understanding of Marketing Communications. With the knowledge I’ll learn from this degree it will allow me to have a wide range of opportunities to improve my professional career.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Outside of Marketing Communications I love Disney and running. On January 8th I will run in the WDW Half Marathon. It will be my first time completing a half marathon.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to learn something new everyday.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope my degree will be able to allow me to better pursue my dream as an entrepreneur. While also giving me away to combine my love of running and my professional career if I decide to work for a company like Hoka or BPN.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
My New Year’s Resolutions is to run a 26.2 mile race and to read over 30 books.
I chose to pursue a graduate degree at WVU because I wanted a degree that supported my entire ideology for marketing — that it should be driven by purpose, for purpose. WVU's Data Marketing program in particular offered a variety of courses that would help advance my existing skillset to the next level. Valaree Machen
Valaree Machen
M.S. Data Marketing Communications
Marketing Manager, National Organization for Rare Disorders
Brookfield, CT
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a graduate degree at WVU because I wanted a degree that supported my entire ideology for marketing — that it should be driven by purpose, for purpose. WVU's Data Marketing program in particular offered a variety of courses that would help advance my existing skillset to the next level.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Outside of my job, I have found a passion in gaming, particularly playing Dungeons & Dragons, and have been a lifelong equestrian. I have two large dogs who I love to take camping with my husband.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am looking forward to connecting with peers who have a similar interest in marketing and the developing field of data marketing.
How do you hope your degree will advance your career after graduation?
I am hopeful that my degree will be an investment for my career. In nonprofits, people tend to lead with intuition, or what feels good. However, in order to scale sustainably, it is imperative to be continuously analyzing what is and isn't working to adjust for campaign success. My ultimate goal is to become a thought leader within the nonprofit sector.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
Last year, my goal was to read 100 books. I beat that goal and would like to read another 100 books this year.
Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!