Emily Scott had embarked on a marketing career after graduating from college in 2019. Five months later, the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. Laid off from her new job, Emily assessed her options. “I felt it was the perfect time to go back to school,” she says.

Growing up in Middle Tennessee, she knew of Vanderbilt’s reputation in general and of the high ranking for the Master of Marketing program. “I wanted to attend somewhere that not only would prepare me for my future but impress future employers,” she says.

Affording a graduate degree, however, was a concern. The first in her family to go to college, Emily lacked the financial resources to afford the program’s tuition. A scholarship she describes as “generous” changed everything. “For any first-generation student who may feel like they are not financially stable enough to attend Vanderbilt, please know that it is still possible,” she says from experience. “I also had these concerns before applying, and the faculty and staff made me feel welcomed and gave me opportunities to succeed. Ultimately, I felt like Vanderbilt wanted me to attend as much as I wanted to attend, which helped me make the decision to enroll.”

The community supported her in another important way, too. “I have struggled my entire life with self-confidence,” Emily says. “I feel like the Master of Marketing program has helped give me the confidence I need to succeed as a woman in the business field. In the Women’s Business Association, I have had opportunities to connect with other women who are going through the same experiences.”

But the biggest highlight of her time at Vanderbilt, she says, was the shared experience of participating in Brand Week. “Being able to work in a team to prepare presentations for companies in various industries gave me valuable experience and truly prepared me for what it will be like working in a full-time marketing role.”

Fun Fact: When not busy with school, Emily loves to do crafts — “or go axe-throwing for stress relief!”

For any first-generation student who may feel like they are not financially stable enough to attend Vanderbilt, please know that it is still possible.