Giovanni Gallina, ’24 Master of Marketing: From Italy to Marketing & Entrepreneurship in the U.S.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Meet Minnesota Carlson's community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a Master of Marketing?
I pursued a Master of Marketing to deepen my skills and gain new experiences in the field. After starting my career working in Italy for Heineken and Campari Group, I realized I didn’t want to settle into a full-time role just yet. I’d always dreamed of studying in the U.S., so I paused my career, finished my bachelor’s, and applied to this program. I knew this path would not only allow me to chase a dream but also expand my marketing knowledge.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
I chose Minnesota Carlson for its high program ranking, esteemed faculty, and hands-on learning through real-world marketing projects. I was also interested in experiencing authentic U.S. campus life, and Minneapolis seemed a great place with a high quality of life and a vibrant community. Minnesota Carlson provided the perfect setting to deepen my marketing expertise, connect with peers, and expand my professional network.
What was your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience?
What made my time at the Carlson School of Management truly valuable was not just one experience, but a series of unforgettable moments that together shaped my journey. From being part of a small, tight-knit cohort to engaging in team projects, including a marketing consulting project for a Fortune 500 company, and enjoying the many activities outside of school, every opportunity added to my growth. If I have to mention a favorite course, that would be Buyer Behavior. These experiences, combined with the chance to immerse myself in the U.S. culture and student life for the first time, made me proud and happy of my choice. It’s this blend of moments and the people I met along the way that will stay with me forever.
Program
’24 Master of Marketing
Hometown
Messina, Italy
Fun Fact About Yourself
During my academic year at Carlson, I have taken a plane once every 2 weeks, on average.
Undergraduate School and Major
University of Messina, Business Management
Most Recent Employer and Job Title
Growth Marketing Associate at quso.ai (formerly vidyo.ai)
Minnesota Carlson provided the perfect setting to deepen my marketing expertise, connect with peers, and expand my professional network.
How has your Minnesota Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
My Minnesota Carlson experience helped me understand that marketing is way broader than I thought. Through my classes, networking events, and connections, I had the opportunity to get exposure to new areas like consulting, analytics, and growth. I wasn’t sure if brand management was the right path for me, so being able to experiment with different things was really eye-opening. Now, I'm especially enjoying growth marketing because of the huge impact it can have on startups and small businesses.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Master of Marketing program?
If you’re aiming for Carlson’s Master of Marketing, focus on sharing your story—why you’re passionate about marketing, what you want to learn, and how you’ll apply it in your field. An international perspective and genuine curiosity are big assets, even if you come from a non-business background. Highlight any experience you have, but don’t stress if it’s limited; make sure your “why” is clear. Show you’re collaborative and ready to enrich everyone’s learning experience. Finally, being proactive and curious will help you get the most out of the program. Good luck!
