After completing her undergraduate degree in public relations and advertising, Diana Castro realized she needed more depth in marketing to understand how strategy and creativity work together. As she began to explore graduate programs, she says, “Vanderbilt felt different from the beginning. The application process was so warm and personal. I never felt like I was just a number."  

“I was drawn to the small cohort size and how genuinely nice everyone was. The professors are brilliant but also approachable, which really stood out.”

That sense of belonging and identity was particularly important for Diana, an international student from Cartagena, Colombia, who completed her undergraduate education in Florida. It also made her feel more confident as she made her way through the program. “The Owen community felt like a safety net,” Diana explains. “Whether it was group projects, spontaneous conversations, or shared struggles, there was always a sense that we were in this together. That support made me feel brave enough to speak up, take risks, and grow.”

Structured elements in the program, such as Mod 0 and Brand Week, also bolstered Diana’s confidence. “They pushed me in the best way,” she says. “They were time consuming and intense but also deeply rewarding. They helped me feel like a real marketer.”

Beyond the new knowledge and technical skills she obtained, the MMark gave Diana a greater sense of purpose. “It helped me clarify the ‘why,’” she says. “I came in knowing I liked marketing. I left knowing I want to help brands tell meaningful stories, especially in beauty and fashion. The program gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to go all in.

“Vanderbilt gave me the foundation to go after roles I once only admired from afar. Through my internship, career coaching, and coursework, I now feel prepared to take the next step with confidence.”