As a student at American University, Grace Becker spent one year running a student-operated record label and another leading its marketing program. She was eager to start a career in the entertainment business, but she knew that additional marketing expertise and experience would bolster her prospects in a competitive industry.

Vanderbilt’s Master of Marketing program was a perfect fit. “When I saw that Owen had a one-year degree that allowed me to receive credit for interning, I had a great feeling about the program,” she says. “I was not a marketing major in undergrad, and I knew that grad school would give me a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.”

Vanderbilt’s Nashville location cinched her decision. “I wanted to work in entertainment, so my preferences were Nashville, New York, or LA—and Nashville was my city of choice,” she says.

As an intern at Sony Music Entertainment, she worked on marketing materials for country artists Brandon Lake and Matthew West. “I got to intern at one of my dream companies, and it was amazing to work with my fellow interns and colleagues to build community and brand awareness among songwriters, and to develop marketing materials for our artists’ upcoming projects,” she says.

Grace also interned for Big Machine Label Group, working on marketing materials for several artists, including Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and Carly Pearce.

Coming into graduate school straight from undergrad, Grace found the Leadership Development Program (LDP) particularly helpful. “Vanderbilt had a unique emphasis on career and leadership development that other programs didn’t offer, and I loved the program’s focus on leadership,” she says. “I grew a lot as a leader and learned how to better present myself, which has boosted my confidence when I walk into group meetings. The LDP has set me up for success in my future job.”

Grace recommends the program to students seeking marketing careers in any industry. “The program offers classical training in marketing and business that will apply to whatever industry you’re interested in. It provides you the skillsets and confidence to make strategic decisions—and you gain the foundational tools to be a great leader in the workplace.”

Fun Fact: A singer/songwriter, Grace was selected by the National Songwriters Association International to participate in a writing camp led by established songwriter Liz Rose, who wrote with Taylor Swift early in her career. 

Vanderbilt had a unique emphasis on career and leadership development that other programs didn’t offer.