Digital advertising focus combines creativity and enterprise abilities
Asheville senior Kayla Sessoms is about to graduate from one of the newest marketing degrees at Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business – digital marketing.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing with a focus on Digital Marketing prepares students to support company-to-customers and other businesses through digital channels such as websites, e-newsletters and social media, and their marketing mix in the right order adapt to be successful. Sessoms explains what interested her about the program and her future plans.
What interested you in a Marketing Digital Marketing major?
After moving from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, I was looking for a degree that was applicable in today’s world, but also combined creativity and entrepreneurial skills – digital marketing fits all of these areas!
What were your most beneficial experiences in the program?
My most beneficial experiences have been applying what I have learned to real companies: in my social media marketing class, I had to do a social media audit and recommendation report, and in my digital marketing class, we had to work with two real companies and give them digital marketing plans. These projects gave me real confidence and hands-on experience.
Describe your relationship with the faculty in the program – how do they mentor or inspire you?
All of my interactions with the faculty have been positive. They always encourage me and expect the best from all students. All of my professors have inspired me to go beyond and rethink what I am capable of.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to find a job with a marketing agency to help companies with their digital marketing strategy. I still love English, even though I dropped that majoring idea. My five-year plan is to get my first book published and eventually become a full-time author.
Why should a prospective student interested in the concentration of digital marketing choose to attend App State?
As far as I know, Appalachian is one of the few schools – if not the only school – with this concentration. You get a much more diverse knowledge of digital marketing and an intense hands-on experience that you couldn’t get in other schools. Additionally, all professors really want you to be successful and they give you tools, resources, and their own time to get you where you want to go.
Are there any other things you would like to mention about your Appalachian experience?
Overall, my experience at Appalachian was amazing. The school has a great sense of community. I felt so at home in this school and I am so grateful that I came here.
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The marketing industry has undergone a profound transformation as consumers and businesses increasingly shift their attention from traditional marketing media to digital media. Despite the proliferation of digital marketing, research by the Harvard Business Review and industry consultants has found that only a small fraction of companies feel they are using social media effectively. Appalachian’s Marketing (BSBA) – The Digital Marketing degree helps fill this skill gap by preparing students for the business needs of digital and social media marketing.
At Appalachian State University, students in the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department of Walker College of Business learn to drive industry initiatives that drive customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to corporate profits, and connect with suppliers, dealers and the community. Students majoring in marketing can choose a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing, or sales. Supply Chain Management (SCM) students learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies, and supply chain technologies. This enables them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers cut costs, improve profits and expand their markets.
Via the Marketing and Supply Chain Management department
At Appalachian State University, students in the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department of Walker College of Business learn to drive industry initiatives that drive customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to corporate profits, and connect with suppliers, dealers and the community. Students majoring in marketing can choose a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing, or sales. Supply Chain Management (SCM) students learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies, and supply chain technologies. This enables them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers cut costs, improve profits and expand their markets. Further information can be found at https://marketing.appstate.edu.
About the Walker College of Business
Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University offers transformative educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative, and engaged leaders who make a positive impact on our community, both locally and globally. The college places an emphasis on international experience, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real world applications in industry. Walker College, which enrolls approximately 3,000 students in 10 majors and 175 doctoral students in three Masters programs, is accredited by AACSB International – the world’s leading accreditation body for business schools. Further information can be found at https://business.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is the premier public institution for students in the state of North Carolina, preparing students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand their responsibilities and are committed to creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience fosters a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, grow holistically, act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. Appalachian is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of 17 locations in the University of North Carolina system. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
