Kailey McDade '19

Major: Marketing
Minor: Communication 


Why this major? 

My interest in marketing as a major started in high school with the success I had in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) competitions. My business teacher throughout high school was an incredible teacher and mentor to me. He allowed me to see my ability to relate to people, be creative and communicate effectively. These qualities all relate to marketing. After realizing that, I thought this major would be a perfect fit for me and I was very eager to get started. 

What is your career objective?

My major career objective is to have my own business. The marketing major at Carroll exposes students to many different areas of business, given how frequently elements of marketing are found throughout a company’s different departments. This has made me excited about the possibilities of starting my own company, even though my degree will be in marketing. I hope to create something that either makes peoples’ lives easier or something that serves and encourages children. 

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

Carroll University encourages students to take a wide mix of classes. You can take anything from religion or physiology, to earth science or chemistry. It is so valuable to have taken these different classes at the college level, even if it doesn’t directly relate to your major. It has opened my eyes to many different perspectives and cultures. Carroll places a lot of value on understanding culture around the world. In any area of study, different cultures are involved. In business, I’ll be exposed to many different worldviews, so intercultural knowledge is so important. This alone has prepared me incredibly well for my future. 

Have you had opportunities to work closely with Carroll faculty?

In my upper-level promotions class, it had about 25 students. Our professor spent the beginning of each class showing LinkedIn profiles of students he had previously worked with and where they are now in their careers. He chose profiles to show us based on our career interests. For example, he knows I am studying marketing and that I love playing golf. He made sure to show me the profile of someone who is now working with a professional golf company. He did this for the majority of the class because small class sizes allow for that kind of personalization. I do not take this for granted at Carroll University. I have gotten so much out of my education here because of this.

What is the most memorable experience you’ve had at Carroll?

The most memorable assignment that I had in my education at Carroll was in my advertising class. Thanks to our professor, who held a senior marketing position at a local bank, we had the opportunity to develop an advertising campaign and pitch it to his marketing team. We worked on it all semester, adding new techniques and ideas that we learned along the way. The final exam was the presentation to these “investors.” At the end of the presentations, they would select the best one and potentially pay the winners if their idea was implemented in their business’ marketing strategy. I won, and it was an incredibly educational experience I will never forget.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?

Carroll truly allows students the time to explore opportunities outside of academics. Due to Carroll’s location, students are surrounded by possibilities. I have gained experience from two incredible internships, traveled to Africa with the Milwaukee-based organization Hope Without Borders, and I have been able to serve at church and grow deeper in my faith. Carroll has given me more opportunities than I expected and that has been so valuable to me. 

What would you say to someone considering marketing?

Marketing is an incredibly valuable major! Upon completion, you can pursue careers in many different areas of business. Marketing classes also provide a student with knowledge of communication, managing relationships and many other skills that can be translated into daily life and a professional career. Every business and operation can use marketing in one way or another. It’s such a great thing to be a part of!

How has financial aid made a difference in your life?

Just about every student at Carroll receives some level of scholarship. I received the highest scholarship level Carroll offers, based on my high school GPA and ACT score. Coming from a family of four kids who are very close in age, the cost of college education for all of us is tremendous. This help has made a huge difference. Two years after me, my brother also decided to attend Carroll and received the same scholarship! This again helped our family immensely. We are very thankful for the scholarship opportunities that Carroll offers its incoming students.

What’s your favorite place to study on campus?

My favorite place to study on campus is the Stone Creek Coffee shop. The many windows provide great lighting and a bright atmosphere. It’s a great place where you can gather with friends or study individually.

Learn more about the Marketing program
 

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