Each semester, the WVU Marketing Communications Online Programs is excited to welcome a new group of individuals into the Marcom Network. The WVU Marketing Communications graduate student population consistently varies in their level of experience and expertise, with some just completing their undergraduate studies to those holding senior-leadership positions at the world’s 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 summer semester:
Sarah Iaquinta
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Connellsville, PA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I recently left higher ed and wanted to get back into the Communications field. Since it has been seven years since I received my undergrad degree in Communications, I knew I needed to get up to speed and rebuild my network and felt obtaining a Master's degree was in my best interest. I would like to work at a news station doing their social media and eventually make my way in front of the camera, which is where I am the most comfortable.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I am a foodie! My dream job is to be a foodie who goes to restaurants to interview the owners, learn about the restaurant, make a dish and review them. I am a chapter advisor for my sorority, Pi Beta Phi at my home chapter at Washington & Jefferson College. During the winter/early spring, I volunteer with my high school's musical production doing their social media marketing and helping backstage during showtime. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends by going to food festivals, breweries and wineries.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am looking to learn more about IMC and how I can apply it in any career I choose in this field.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
This degree will prepare me for any career in the communications field because of how holistic the courses are and the projects we will complete. The projects are realistic examples of what to expect on the job or add to your portfolio. I like to take course from different fields within the field and not focus on one particular thing.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
I am excited to get started and hopefully, I will land a great job after completing my degree next summer! Best of luck and Go Mountaineers!
Amanda Kinsella
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Marketing Director, Logan A/C and Heat Services, Inc.
Dayton, OH
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I looked at 6-8 various programs, and when I reviewed WVU's Marketing Communications Graduate Degree, I knew it was the right fit. As a business professional, I find the program relevant as it examines digital marketing initiatives I implement daily. The classes I'm about to take will help me sharpen my strategies and better understand the consumers interested in the products and services I offer through my marketing messaging. In addition, platform certifications, part of several classes, will allow me to showcase my expertise after completing the program.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
For fun, I enjoy watching my son play youth ice hockey. I also enjoy swimming, traveling, listening to music, and caring for my pets.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I've been working on SEO strategies with various agencies for several years. However, it's never really been something I've truly been able to understand. I'm excited to learn why SEO truly matters, especially in a world of pay-per-click and zero-click strategies. I'm also eager to know how to create an SEO campaign to optimize keywords locally properly.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I've been working in media/marketing for 20+ years, and it's likely, I've got another 20 years to go! One lesson I've learned from my past is that getting to know more people always leads to new and exciting opportunities. I'm grateful to now have the ability to network amongst other like-minded marketers in the program, and I'm excited to see what new doors may open for me by learning with/from others.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
"Always have the highest bar for yourself. Wake up every day and no matter how crappy you feel, want to change something for the better. Do something that makes someone happy. Create something that inspires someone. Be someone's light when they are hopeless." - Dave Grohl
Lauren Larar
M.S. IMC + DINFOS
Public Affairs Officer/ U.S. Navy
Norfolk, VA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I wanted to continue to build on my foundation of public affairs knowledge and learn more about all pieces of marketing communications.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I enjoy sailing, skiing, and running.
Savanna Leech
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Graphic Designer / WVU
Morgantown, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
As a graphic designer, marketing is a role that I have to take on daily. With this program, I hope to grasp the many concepts that aid in the creation of a body of work from a marketing and communications standpoint. Combining the two areas of focus will not only benefit myself but those that I work with!
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
My two dogs, the outdoors, and traveling to experience all the good food the world has to offer!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Learning more about creative strategy and targeting specific audiences.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I am not necessarily looking for it to advance my career but simply my skillset and knowledge on the subjects I work with closely.
Audrey McLoughlin
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Alumni Relations Officer, Fanshawe College
London, Ontario
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
As a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, I'm continually looking for ways to stay current in the industry, particularly since marketing trends change so quickly. I was looking for a flexible program I could complete from the comfort of my couch while managing work, family commitments and life in general. As a Canadian, I couldn't find a program that ticked all the boxes here in Canada... and the WVU program seemed like the ideal program to help me achieve my academic goals.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Raising my two young kids with my husband has kept me very preoccupied. Catching up on sleep is definitely a significant interest! Other than that, spending time with friends, travel and white wine are my interests!
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Strengthening my skills and knowledge in digital and social media; learning directly from industry experts.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
Acquiring a Master's degree will open doors for future career options. Having the credential will provide more credibility and will demonstrate I am committed to continuous development and lifelong learning.
Savanna Rose
Digital Marketing Communications
Digital Content Specialist
Harpers Ferry, WV
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
I have always wanted to give graduate school a go! As a content creator, I strongly desire to expand my skill set. Content creation and marketing go hand in hand; in my opinion, you can’t have one without the other.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
My interests include traveling, going to the movie theater, and eating good food! I completed my undergrad at Towson University’s Electronic Media and Film program, so I also usually always have a camera on me.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I look forward to better understanding digital marketing, learning current trends, and making new connections.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
Not to have a play on words, but I hope this degree will help me market myself better in the workforce. I am a content creator at heart! Getting another degree in what I love (filmmaking) would be fun, but it’s time to learn something new. So, let’s go!
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing.”
Sierra Snigier
M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Global Marketing & Engagement Coordinator / Soroptimist International of the
Americas
Delaware
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
When I was searching for the right fit, West Virginia kept appearing. From the beginning, it felt like home. I was interested in all of the classes offered, and I loved that the structure of the courses are the same throughout the program. This was crucial for me as I will still be working full-time while completing my degree. The classes were a perfect mix of everything I was interested in, instead of either focusing too broadly or too specific when compared to other schools' programs.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
I love the outdoors, traveling, antiquing, art, and more! I am a foodie, so you can always catch me at a new local restaurant. I love music, and in my free time, I enjoy playing my electric guitar.
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
I am most excited to learn about analytics. I feel like I am very creative, but I have trouble identifying if the campaigns and ideas I have are actually working. At Penn State I learned the ways and tactics to communicate with technology given, but not so much marketing. I am ready to learn that side more in-depth and apply it to my current role.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope this degree will allow me to take my work and strategy to the next level. I can use what I learn to help me plan campaigns and track them more effectively. I hope with additional expertise in marketing that new roles can open up at my current job or in the future.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” —Alfred Mercier
Debra Thomas
M.S. Digital Marketing Communications
Mass Communications Specialist
Moreno Valley, CA
Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?
Digital Marketing has become the most important channel for many industries. I want to make sure my skills are keeping up with the trends. Especially in the gaming industry where I aspire to work.
What are your interests outside of Marketing Communications?
Video Games, Wine, Fine Dining, Theater, Graphic Design
What are you most looking forward to throughout your studies?
Learning how to leverage data to create better campaigns and network with my cohort.
How do you hope this degree will advance your career after graduation?
I hope to land a position in gaming.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?
I'm a U.S. Navy reservist working as a Mass Communications Specialist, I aspire to become a commissioned Public Affairs Officer. As a Civilian I work as a Govt. contractor in Internal Communications.
Feeling FOMO? Interested in growing your career with a master's degree in Data, Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications? Request more information today!