Careers in Marketing Day: Helping Students Discover What’s Possible

Ed and Jabez Presenting
March 24, 2026
School of Business Administration

In the School of Business, students do not just learn about the business world. They learn from the people in it. One of the most exciting examples of this commitment is Careers in Marketing Day, a full day of industry engagement, skills development, and alumni connections designed to help students explore the many pathways available in the world of marketing.

Careers in Marketing Day connects students with marketing leaders, Gonzaga alumni, and faculty for a day focused on learning and professional growth. Students gain valuable perspectives, build industry connections, and better understand the skills that drive success in marketing careers.

Interactive Workshop: Connect Like Your Career Depends On It - Because It Does

This year the day began with an energetic workshop led by Gonzaga Executives-in-Residence Ed Reese and Jabez LeBret. Students learned practical approaches for building professional relationships and navigating the early stages of a career in marketing.

The workshop covered topics such as:

  • How to connect effectively with industry professionals
  • Approaches for reaching out to potential employers
  • Ways to build a strong and supportive network
  • Strategies for career advancement and promotion

O. Ray Angle, Assistant Vice President for Career & Professional Development was also present to share additional resources and tools available to students.

Alumni Panel: Real Careers, Real Paths, Real Advice

Careers in Marketing Panel Members Presenting

The afternoon panel was a highlight of the day. Students heard from Gonzaga alumni who now work in diverse areas of marketing, technology, analytics, and product strategy. Each panelist shared their journey from student to professional, their insights about the industry, and the skills that helped them succeed.

Panelists included:

  • Matthew Beaird (2019), Manager of Digital Marketing Products, Seattle Seahawks
  • Greg Ong (2016), Lead, Footwear Strategic Sourcing, Nike
  • Mandy Legg (2013), Lead Solution Engineer, Salesforce
  • Jamie Plankenhorn (2004), Program Lead, Marketing Operations, Headway
  • Emily Ryder (2018), Data Analyst, Theo Chocolate

Networking Social: Connecting Students and Industry Leaders

Following the panel, students joined alumni, advisory board members, faculty, and visiting professionals for an informal networking social. This gathering allowed students to have one-on-one conversations, explore career paths, and make personal connections.

Promotion Project Presentation: Marketing in Action

The event concluded with a presentation from students enrolled in MKTG 490 Promotion Project as they prepare for the National Student Advertising Competition.

That year's client is the NFL, and students presented their integrated marketing campaign to peers, faculty, and professionals. This final session showcased the experiential learning that is central to a Gonzaga business education and gave attendees a firsthand look at the high-level work Gonzaga students produce.

About the Careers In… Series

Careers in Marketing Day is part of the larger Careers In… Series, a long-standing program that connects Gonzaga business students with alumni and industry professionals in a wide range of fields.

The series began in 2011 with the very first Careers in Finance event. Nearly a dozen alumni returned to campus to share advice on mentoring, networking, professional development, and breaking into the finance industry. The event was so successful that it quickly expanded to include other disciplines.

Today, the Careers In… Series includes:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Operations and Supply Chain

The series also includes employer-specific events such as Careers at Boeing, which highlight opportunities within individual organizations.

These events provide tremendous value by helping students explore potential careers, build relationships with alumni, and gain confidence about their next steps after graduation.

Why It Matters

Careers in Marketing Day and the entire Careers In… Series reflect the mission of the SBA. We prepare students not only through classroom excellence but also through community, mentorship, and real-world learning.

Careers in Marketing Day is more than an event. It is a glimpse into the future our students are preparing for.