Meagan Flood, ’26 MMKTG: Her Class Project Turned into a Job Offer
Monday, September 14, 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?
My initial motivation for pursuing a Master of Marketing was to expand my marketing knowledge. With my background in English, I had originally intended to become a copywriter. Still, as I moved through the program, I discovered all the other sides of marketing that most people don't see, from strategy to analytics to brand building.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
The main reason I initially chose Carlson was to be closer to home, but I quickly discovered there were so many more reasons to pick it. From the supportive professors to the extensive alumni network, Carlson proved over and over that it was the right choice, offering opportunities I don't think I would have found anywhere else.
What was your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience?
My most valuable Carlson experience was the Brand Enterprise Project. Through it, I saw just how important every class we'd taken really was. The project let us explore marketing in a hands-on, real-world way, while still having the safety net of a professor to guide us. I learned more doing that project than I did in any classroom.
Program
'26 MMKTG
Fun Fact About Yourself
I'm a die-hard physical media lover! I collect both vinyl and books, and there's nothing like flipping through a shelf or a record crate instead of scrolling through a screen.
Undergraduate School and Major
South Dakota State University, English
Most Recent Employer and Job Title
Marketing and Communications Specialist at Vistabule Teardrop Trailers
When the [Brand Enterprise] project wrapped, [the company] created a position to implement and build on [our plan]. I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position the day I walked at graduation.
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?
At Carlson, we're given opportunities many other schools simply don't offer. One that sticks out to me is when my cohort was welcomed into Bold Orange for an afternoon. We got to ask real questions to industry professionals and put ourselves in front of the people who could actually make hiring decisions.
How has your Minnesota Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
I actually now work for the company I did my Brand Enterprise Project with! The project gave me a chance to show them what I could do with their marketing. My team and I laid out a plan for their next steps, and when the project wrapped, they created a position to implement and build on it. With the encouragement of my amazing Brand Enterprise professor, Nicole Tuma, I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position the day I walked at graduation.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Master of Marketing program?
My advice would be to show genuine curiosity, not just a polished resume. Admissions can tell when someone actually wants to be part of the Carlson community versus someone checking a box. Talk about the specific things that drew you in, whether it's a professor, a project, or the alumni network, and be honest about what you hope to gain. It also helps to highlight any experience, even small, where you've had to think creatively or solve a real problem. Carlson wants people who will dive into opportunities like the Brand Enterprise Project, not just sit back and watch.
