Sophia Sailer, ’25 Master of Marketing: Bridging Creativity with Analytics
Tuesday, December 10, 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’s in Marketing?
I had just graduated from my undergrad in May 2024 and knew I wanted to get my master’s degree (and eventually a PhD to become a professor). I decided to take a shot at applying for the Carlson School of Management even though I knew it was the second to last round, and I did not apply anywhere else. Being in the creative side of media in my undergraduate studies, I also wanted the analytical side of media in my skill set, and marketing was perfect for that. I also wanted a prestigious and challenging experience that would give me opportunities for my career in the future.
Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?
I chose Minnesota Carlson because I value the city’s diversity of thought and career opportunities. I found a sense of community and learning at the University of Minnesota that I had not found previously. I also wanted to stay in-state for economic reasons, and Minnesota Carlson is a high-ranking university with a Master of Marketing program and a persona that fits me.
What has been or was your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience?
I am only a few months into my program, but thus far, the amazing professors have been the most valuable part of my experience. Many of them are new professors or new to Carlson, but they have been exceptional. Many have been very open to 1-on-1 meetings outside of class to discuss my career and give us as many opportunities as possible to provide us with real-world cases of how to get a career in marketing.
Program
’25 Master of Marketing
Hometown
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Undergraduate School and Major
Winona State University, Major: Mass Communications: Creative Digital Media; Minors: Film Studies and Advertising
Fun Fact
In 2024, I was awarded 2nd place for all college news stories nationally for my article, The Silent But Deadly Curse of Not Being a Nursing or Education Major, awarded by the Society of Collegiate Journalists.
Minnesota Carlson has helped me immensely with career opportunities. The clear step-by-step process they have provided students has been incredibly helpful with networking and getting that experience needed for my career.
How has your Minnesota Carlson experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
Minnesota Carlson has helped me immensely with career opportunities. The clear, step-by-step process they have provided students has been incredibly helpful with networking and getting the experience needed for my career. The Carlson Business Career Center and my professors have been sending job opportunities for us to take advantage of, so they clearly care about our experience after college.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Master of Marketing program?
Take Carlson seriously. This program will prepare you for your career, so don’t take anything lightly.
Be passionate and willing to learn since education (especially to this caliber) is a rare opportunity for many.
Do your best, put your best foot forward, and care. Even if you haven’t studied marketing in the past (most of us haven’t), you likely have experiences that will back up your interest in marketing.