When her original grad program was discontinued, Kayla Layden pivoted into NC State’s Master of Marketing Analytics—and found a new path she’s passionate about. From faculty support to real-world connections, the MMA program helped her build the skills and network to thrive in a new industry.
Get to know Kayla
Current role: Marketing Coordinator at D.R. Horton
Current field: Marketing
Current industry: Home Building, Real Estate
Current location: Raleigh, NC
Program start date: August 2021
Graduation date: May 2024
Certificate: Marketing
Life before Jenkins
Undergraduate studies: B.A. Stage & Screen and B.S. Hospitality & Tourism Management, Minor in Art – Western Carolina University
Pre-program work experience: 5 years
Pre-program roles: Entertainment Costuming & Character Attendant at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Front Office Lead and Reception/Manager-on-Duty for The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, N.C., Leasing Agent with Greystar, Sales Manager at the Washington Duke Inn & J.B. Duke Hotel in Durham, N.C.
Pre-program industries: Entertainment, Hospitality, Property Management
Why Marketing Analytics
For Kayla, joining the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program at NC State was the result of an unexpected pivot – but one that ultimately helped her discover her passion.
Originally admitted to the Global Luxury and Management (GLAM) program, Kayla had to reconsider her path when the program was discontinued due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I spoke with Allison Anthony, a faculty member at NC State, and she suggested the MMA program as an alternative,” Kayla says. “It felt like the right move – it was a chance to pivot into a more advanced career path where I could build a future with strong earning potential.”
With a background in leasing and hospitality, she already had a taste for marketing. “Marketing became one of my favorite tasks in my previous roles,” she explains. “I’ve always loved analyzing things and figuring out the ‘why’ behind consumer behavior. Choosing a program that combined marketing and analytics just made sense.”
Being part of the MMA program’s first cohort added another layer of excitement. “We got to help shape the program into what it is today,” she says.
Why Jenkins?
Kayla didn’t have to look far when she decided to return to school. “I grew up an NC State fan, so when I started thinking about grad school, I naturally looked into what Jenkins had to offer,” she says.
The nationally ranked online MBA program gave her confidence in the caliber of Jenkins’ graduate offerings. “I figured if the MBA program was that strong, the other master’s programs would be just as good, so I went for it,” she adds.
What made it great
Support was a standout feature of Kayla’s MMA experience – from faculty to career services. “Our professors, faculty and admin were truly committed to helping us succeed,” she says. “They really cared, and that made the learning process much more enjoyable. It’s not something you’d always expect from a large university, so it was refreshing.”
She leaned heavily on the Career Center, especially during moments of uncertainty in her job search. “I hit a few bumps in the road, but they were behind me the whole way –helping with networking, rewriting my resume and preparing for interviews. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance,” Kayla says.
She also appreciated the program’s real-world connections. Through class projects, speaker series and NC State events like the BAI Roundtable, Kayla had the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the Triangle. “Coming from a smaller university, I never had access to these kinds of opportunities,” she says. “It really is about who you know, and NC State helped get us in front of the right people.”
Career impact
Transitioning from hospitality and property management into marketing hasn’t been without challenges, but the MMA program has given Kayla the momentum she needed to shift careers.
“Since I pivoted industries, I’ve had to start in more associate-level roles,” she says. “But the degree gave me a foot in the door and an edge over the competition. It shows employers I have the analytical and strategic skills needed for marketing roles.”
Final thoughts
Kayla’s advice for prospective MMA students is simple: “Go for it – but be prepared to be challenged and grow.”
She emphasizes that the program isn’t just about mastering tools like Google Analytics or Power BI. “It’s about learning how to use those tools to tell meaningful stories, solve business problems and drive real decisions,” she says.
She also encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom. “I was a Student Ambassador, attended every networking and career event I could, and even got involved with the local chapter of the American Marketing Association, where I now serve on the membership committee,” she says.
“The MMA program is truly what you make of it,” Kayla adds. “If you take every opportunity to learn, connect and grow, you’ll stand out, and it will absolutely make a difference in your career.”
Get in touch
Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn.
Learn more
To learn more about the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please visit the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics program page.
This post was originally published in Master of Management Marketing Analytics.
