Strong Alumni Network Fosters Career Growth for Master of Science in Marketing Analytics and Strategy Grads

The Master of Science in Marketing Analytics and Strategy (MSMAS) program at Fairfield University continues to open doors for graduates entering the competitive world of marketing and data insights. With a strong focus on real-world experience and an active alumni network, the program has proven to be a launching pad for careers at leading companies across industries.

Sally Caron ’22, MS ’24 , credits Fairfield's tight-knit academic community and her professors’ commitment to student success for setting her career in motion. “I saw the unique value of companionship and community that Fairfield held from the start,” she says. “As a student, I saw firsthand how important alumni connections could be when my professor connected me with a former student who was hiring for an internship. That opportunity catapulted the trajectory of my career.”

Today, Caron works as a consultant at NCSolutions (NCS), where she collaborates with Owen Gleeson MS ’21 — who was instrumental in her job placement. Their professional bond was first sparked by a recommendation from faculty member Professor Julie Marella. “Julie quickly put me in contact with Sally after I mentioned an opening on our publisher team,” Gleeson recalls. “It became clear right away that she’d be a great fit.”

Caron didn’t just benefit from Fairfield’s network — she is now contributing to it. She soon referred another classmate who was also hired onto the NCS team. “We’ve brought a unique value to our respective teams,” Caron notes, “all thanks to our connections through Fairfield and the marketing analytics and strategy graduate program.”

The MSMAS curriculum emphasizes both analytical rigor and strategic thinking, a dual focus that prepares graduates for a range of roles. The course offerings and electives help students explore and prepare for a variety of marketing career tracks, including research, brand management, product management, digital marketing, and social media analytics. Specialized coursework in areas such as consumer behavior, pricing strategy, artificial intelligence applications, and business analytics gives students the flexibility to align their studies with their professional goals. For Caron, the skills she developed in her business analytics specialization have enabled her to dig deeper into the data to advise clients on high-impact marketing strategies.

Gleeson echoes this sentiment. “Courses like Pricing Strategy & Analytics gave us hands-on experience with raw data, which is critical in the field,” he says. “The program prepared me not only for my first role at Kantar but also helped me land my current position at NCS.”

One distinguishing feature of the MSMAS program is its practical, project-based learning. Gleeson points to real-world assignments with companies like Henkel and the Professional Bull Riders Association as particularly impactful. “You’re getting educated both in the classroom and the workplace,” he says.

Prospective students will find more than just advanced coursework in the marketing analytics and strategy program—they’ll join a supportive community that values collaboration, mentorship, and long-term career development. From day one, students are encouraged to explore different paths, connect with alumni, and apply their learning in real-world settings.

Marella emphasizes that Fairfield’s industry partnerships help the program stay aligned with the evolving needs of the business world. Additionally, many professors bring decades of professional experience to the classroom, offering students firsthand insight into current market demands and best practices.

For students considering the MSMAS degree, both alumni are unequivocal in their recommendation. “Fairfield’s outstanding academic reputation, combined with its community-driven values, is what makes this program so special,” says Caron. “It’s not just about learning from professors—it’s about being seen and supported by them.”

Gleeson adds: “If you're interested in data insights, marketing strategy, or analytics, this program is the right fit. The skills you gain — and the connections you make — are invaluable.”

As the demand for marketing strategists and data-savvy professionals continues to grow, Fairfield’s MSMAS program remains a top choice for students who want to launch their careers with confidence—and a community that continues to deliver long after graduation.

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