Meet the Class of Fall 2023

After each semester, the WVU Marketing Communications Programs are excited to celebrate our graduates. Meet the members of the class of Spring 2023 who have completed their studies!

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Luisa Arbelaez

M.S. Data Marketing Communications
Digital Marketing Specialist
Maryland

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

I chose Data Marketing Communications because it embodies the synergy between data analytics and creative storytelling in the marketing landscape. In this dynamic field, data serves as the foundation for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences, departing from traditional marketing approaches by prioritizing evidence-based decision-making. By immersing myself in this discipline, I aim to blend analytical acumen with creative finesse to deliver impactful messages that are strategically informed. Furthermore, Data Marketing Communications enables a personalized and adaptive approach to marketing, tailoring strategies to specific audience segments through a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. The iterative process of measuring key performance indicators ensures ongoing refinement, making this field essential in the ever-evolving digital landscape where adaptability and a mastery of new technologies and data sources are paramount. In choosing Data Marketing Communications, I position myself at the forefront of a discipline that harmonizes data-driven insights with creative prowess, shaping a holistic and effective approach to marketing in our data-centric era.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was Data Collection and Visualization because it taught me how to use brand data to make smart marketing decisions. The course focused on when and how to collect data, both from inside and outside a company, and how to present it visually to important people. I really liked learning about the power of visuals and images in helping people understand information better. It showed me how to create clear visuals and use storytelling to make data more memorable. The course also gave me hands-on experience in comparing different tools for visualizing data, which I found really practical. Overall, it was my favorite because it mixed useful skills with real-world applications, which I think will be important in the marketing field.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

Enrolling in a Data Marketing Communications Master's program is a strategic investment in a dynamic and data-driven business landscape. This program equips individuals with a comprehensive skill set, combining data analytics with communication strategy, positioning them as valuable assets for organizations seeking to enhance their marketing effectiveness. With a high demand for professionals who can translate data into actionable insights, this program provides a strategic advantage, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and leadership roles. The hands-on experiences and networking opportunities fostered during the program contribute not only to academic and career growth but also to the ability to drive innovation in marketing approaches. Overall, a Data Marketing Communications Master's program ensures that individuals stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry, making them well-rounded and adaptable professionals prepared to meet the challenges of modern marketing.

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Meisha Bochicchio

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Digital Content Marketing Program Manager, VMware
Boston, MA

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

I chose the WVU IMC program because of the flexibility. I love that there were several paths to choose from, and the program was very customizable to what I wanted to pursue. And the program was incredibly flexible to my schedule and easy to fit in around work and personal responsibilities.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was Creative Strategy Management. I haven't had a ton of experience with the creative side of marketing, and I found the course both fun and challenging. I loved that we got to pick our own client and bring a new creative strategy to life throughout the course. The professor was excellent in guiding our campaigns, and it was very rewarding building creative assets from scratch.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

Enjoy a long and well-deserved belated honeymoon! After that, I hope to eventually transition into a marketing leadership role and continue my education and learning journey.

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Amy Bradley

Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate
Sr. VP, Communications & Engagement Manager, BNY Mellon
Pittsburgh, PA

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

Throughout my career working in communications, I had the opportunity to explore different areas due to the nature of my role, spanning events, executive communications, corporate and brand messaging, etc. During self-reflection over the past few years, I found that I am most engaged and passionate when I have the opportunity to do creative work that makes an impact. I investigated what types of roles would align to my passions and landed on a few, focused on Brand, Content Marketing and Creative Direction. WVU’s IMC program directly aligned to these areas of focus, and I couldn’t resist applying to help pursue the next chapter in my career by learning from experts in the field.

What was your favorite course and why?

My absolute favorite course was Advanced Creative Concepts with Professor Pieratt. I had the opportunity to explore a brand new industry that I had never worked in and build a creative campaign. The course most directly aligned to what I want for my career, so I soaked up every ounce of knowledge and feedback that was offered. It was exciting work that pushed my creative boundaries and grew my skill set.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

If you take the work seriously and listen to your professor and peers’ feedback, you will absolutely find success in the program. The professors actually work in the industry and have valuable experience to share that will aid your learning process and help you think differently. It’s a lot of work, but it is definitely worth the effort.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

I’m currently pursuing a career pivot from communications into marketing, focusing on roles that align to my passions — creative, brand, content and storytelling.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?

By making time to invest in my professional development, I’ve gained new insights that will help my career for years to come and I’ve gained self-confidence in my skills as a marketing professional.

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William Griffen

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Mass Communications Public Affairs Specialist
Hinesville, GA

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

During my undergraduate studies, I was inspired to pursue a marketing and communications career from my Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) debate team experiences and from my communication studies and graphic design courses that exposed me to a variety of written, verbal, and visual communication methods. I had applied these skills as a mass communication public affairs specialist in the Army, but since the art of communication and marketing is an evolving field, it was integral for me to continue optimizing my skills.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was Emerging Media and the Market because it introduced me to and taught me to use new, unique marketing tools such as metaverse experiences, allowing me to craft a creative marketing campaign.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

My advice for being successful in this program is to pace yourself throughout each course and be thorough with your discussion posts and assignments.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

When I graduate and complete my active duty contract in March, I hope to get a job in marketing or graphic design in San Francisco, where my wife lives, and continue doing freelance graphic design work remotely. Eventually, I also want to start my own digital media content company and become a successful comic book artist.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?

I'll be continuing my service in the California National Guard in March 2024.

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Jason Iannarelli

M.S. Digital Marketing Communications

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

I chose WVU for my master's degree because the curriculum best matched my interests and was relevant to current marketing trends and industry needs. The program features storytelling in marketing in addition to analytics and that really resonated with me. The program is also unique in that several industry certifications are built in such as Hubspot, SEMrush, Adobe Premiere & Hootsuite.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite class was IMC543 (Digital Video Production). Filmmaking and videography are vital to the digital story and something I really enjoy.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

Don't hesitate to enroll. The program will help your career and confidence as a digital marketer. You will make important connections and learn from professors who have industry experience. I've learned a lot and feel prepared for the future.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

After six internships focused on creating and analyzing content, I am currently a freelance video editor until finding a full-time digital marketing position. My passion is sports and entertainment, but I am interested in many industries.

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Emma Magruder

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Intern, FleishmanHillard
Washington, D.C.

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

I did my undergrad in public relations, and I knew I wanted to learn more about the broader industry and how PR can fit with other practices and disciplines. I wanted to go straight into my masters degree so I could take that experience with me into the job market. Doing 4+1 meant I could gain the experience of graduate school while continuing to explore the job market and other opportunities before jumping into the industry full-time. While I’m continuing my career in public relations specifically, my IMC degree has diversified my skillset and allows me to look at earned media in different ways.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was PR Concepts and Strategies because it was PR focused! This course solidified that I wanted to focus my work within the industry on earned media and how it fits into a broader integrated campaign.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

Don’t wait, and do it for yourself! Grad school is hard and a time commitment. You make sacrifices, so you want to be sure you’re pursuing higher education for the right reason and for yourself. This program is about what you want to do and where you want to be. The support along the way is to help you reach those aspirations.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

After graduation, I’ll be headed out to D.C. to finish up an internship with FleishmanHillard! Ultimately, I want to stay in the world of PR agencies and client services. Being in an agency means I’m not tied to a specific industry, so it keeps day-to-day interesting and (sometimes) keeps me on my toes.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?

The learn it today, apply it tomorrow mindset from this program has helped me build a set of foundational skills that have already helped me into the industry. I am so grateful for my time at WVU and all that it has taught me.

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Kirsten McAlpin

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Conger LP Gas
Tifton, GA

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

I chose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree because I want to continue growing in marketing and communications. I want to be seen and trusted as an expert in my field and I knew that furthering my education would only boost my knowledge and experience.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was PR Concepts & Strategy with Dr. Freberg. I loved the process of creating a public relations plan proposal and really getting to be creative. I enjoyed this class so much that I decided to change my area of emphasis to Public Relations Leadership and focus more on public relations with my studies.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

This program is one of the best things I have ever done and will ever do. An online master's degree program is a lot to take on, but it is so worth it. The relationships I have formed and the network I have created paired with everything I have learned have been invaluable.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

I will begin studying for a Ph.D. in Communication in January with plans to teach the next generation of marketing communication students one day. I also intend to continue working in the marketing communications field at Conger LP Gas to share the good news about propane and the wonderful company with South Georgia.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Or a quote you'd like to provide?

I have genuinely loved being a West Virginia Mountaineer and can't believe that my time as a student has come to an end. I will forever be grateful for all of the professors, WVU staff, and fellow students who made this the best experience I could have asked for. I'm so glad that my South Georgia "Country Roads" led me to West Virginia University.

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Andrew Spellman

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications
Hagerstown, MD

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

After four years into my professional journalism career, I felt compelled to expand upon my bachelor's degree and pursue a new career. I also had aspirations to break into marketing within the outdoor industry, which I was working in at the time.

What was your favorite course and why?

I really enjoyed my digital storytelling course. I was able to use my journalism experience over that class more than any other, and it was generally just a fun way to finish out the Spring 2022 semester.

What advice do you have for those considering the programs?

Although I haven't landed a job yet, I believe the course has prepared me to enter an ever-evolving media and marketing landscape as well as help me reach both my short- and long-term goals. It was by no means an easy program — it takes dedication and attention — but it's designed in a way that makes the sheer volume of materials easier to digest, retain, and build upon.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

I would love to use my IMC degree to return to the outdoor and recreation industry. When I began the program I was working in hunting media, and I would love to get back into that community-centered market.

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Alyssa Tennant

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Degree?

During my undergraduate studies, I discovered my passion for marketing and knew I wanted to continue my education through a graduate program that would allow me to excel in the field. After researching graduate programs, I found WVU's Integrated Marketing Communications and was instantly drawn to the program for its flexibility, practical and relevant course content, and field-experienced faculty.

What was your favorite course and why?

My favorite course was IMC 513 Brand Equity Management because it allowed me to truly dive into all of the aspects - from logos to color schemes to communication strategies - that make a brand unique, valuable, and recognizable.

What are your plans for after graduation and future career goals?

After graduation, I will immediately put my degree to use as I will begin a new role as a Marketing Assistant at PPG's Architectural Coatings Headquarters. As my career progresses, I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained from this program to a leadership position in marketing that allows me to oversee integrated campaigns and ensure seamless communications across various channels.

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