Katelynn Riviere, ’26 MMKTG: From Sales to Her Dream Job
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
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 because I was missing a creative outlet in my sales career. I had always had an interest in marketing and merchandising, but I hadn’t found the right job that could build on my existing sales, supply chain, and operations experience while also providing me with a true foundation in marketing. I came across the Master of Marketing program and felt that the nine-month timeline would be perfect to kickstart a new chapter of my career without effectively taking me out of the workforce for two years.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
I chose Carlson because the school has a fantastic reputation, is well-ranked, and provides students with an applicable, rigorous curriculum. I knew I would be pushed out of my comfort zone and leave Carlson ready to work. The location is also fantastic. It’s in Minneapolis, surrounded by the Twin Cities metro, so students gain access to an extensive local network and endless companies and industries to build a career in.
What was your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience?
At the core of my experience was genuine faculty connections. The program was staffed with professors who had extensive experience with huge corporations, projects and agencies. They know exactly what it takes to break into competitive industries, network, make career switches, and grow into respected, senior-level talent. Not only that, but it felt like they truly cared about us and our success. They would reach out with opportunities and help build our networks, always diligently promoting us. When I was losing a positive outlook on the job search, I was able to chat one-on-one with faculty members to review my strategy and reset. Carlson recognizes that it takes a village, and the faculty take that seriously.
Program
'26 MMKTG
Fun Fact About Yourself
I own a lovely little Quarter Horse gelding named Loki, so I can often be found at the barn braiding his mane or riding to decompress!
Undergraduate School and Major
University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Most Recent Employer and Job Title
Senior Account Manager at broadhead.
My Carlson experience had me ready for an agency career on day one.
How did being part of Minnesota Carlson’s broader business ecosystem — spanning the Twin Cities community, local industries, and global partners — shape your experience in the Master of Marketing program?
Carlson’s broader business ecosystem shaped my experience in the Master of Marketing program by making me feel like I had an “in” wherever I went. At student networking events, peers from other universities would tell me recruiters and company representatives love a Carlson degree. The Carlson name would often get called out on my resume when visiting with companies, and it would help me make fast connections with alumni. It was nice to feel like I had a leg up from my choice of university alone, which made it even easier to sell my strengths and experiences.
How has your Minnesota Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
My Carlson experience had me ready for an agency career on day one. I sat in on meetings for projects and knew what my colleagues were talking about without being briefed on the actual campaigns themselves. I wouldn’t have been able to land my current job without going back to school to earn my Master of Marketing. And I wouldn’t have started my career already understanding what agencies do day-to-day if it weren’t for the quality of the Carlson program. The program pushed me to become a more outgoing and confident professional with a clear vision for my future, and it truly changed my life. I’m incredibly grateful that I chose this program and that it helped me land my dream job.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Master of Marketing program?
Always say yes! Every experience is a skill gained and leads to a stronger resume. I had virtually zero marketing experience when I applied to the Master of Marketing, but I crafted my application resume and responses around how the experience I did have could lend itself to my marketing education and career. What seems like the most unrelated job could still provide you with soft skills and knowledge that are invaluable to a marketing role.
I would also challenge you to be genuine in your responses. Don’t try to anticipate what the reviewer wants to hear. Instead, dig deep into why you want to work in marketing and be a part of this program.
