When Jennifer Hamilton enrolled in the Strategic Communication Online M.A. program at Michigan State University in January 2020, she was searching for more than a degree — she was looking for a program that aligned with her professional aspirations in communications and marketing.
Two years later, she graduated with the tools, knowledge and confidence to pivot her career in a meaningful direction.
“I always knew I wanted to get my master’s, but nothing felt like the right fit until I found the StratCom program,” said Hamilton, who earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from Oakland University. “I didn’t want an MBA — I wanted something that aligned with the work I was already passionate about.”
Hamilton, who now works remotely for a Miami-based health insurance distributor, says the online program helped her sharpen her marketing skillset, opening doors that led directly to her current role.
“When I started the program, I was doing internal communications in the healthcare sector,” she said. “Now, I manage national carrier relationships and support brand communications on a larger scale. StratCom gave me the confidence and credentials to make that leap.”
The branding course stood out as particularly impactful, Hamilton said. She applied concepts from the class while participating in a company rebrand during graduate school — and again in her current role as her organization merges with its parent company in preparation for a full rebrand by 2026.
Hamilton credits the online format with helping her stay grounded and flexible during a chaotic time. She began the program while starting a new job, serving on a nonprofit board, and parenting a toddler — all amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had to rely on a tight weekly schedule,” she said. “But the support from faculty made a huge difference. I never felt like I was on an island. The professors were just an email or call away.”
Hamilton completed the digital media track and earned a certificate in the subject but says in hindsight she wishes she had taken advantage of more of the program’s specialization opportunities. Still, she feels the degree prepared her for real-world challenges.
“It helped me break out of that ‘journalism box’ in the eyes of employers,” she said. “People often assume you’re only trained for newsrooms, but StratCom showed that I can lead in marketing, digital strategy and even public relations.”
When asked what advice she would give prospective students, Hamilton urged them to enter the program with curiosity and openness.
“Come in with an open mind, and take advantage of the group projects, the faculty insight, and your classmates’ experiences,” she said. “You’ll be surprised by how much you grow professionally and personally. Don’t limit yourself.”
Hamilton remains engaged with the StratCom community, often speaking at orientations and sharing her experiences with current students. Her story is a reminder of the program’s long-term value and how MSU’s Strategic Communication Online M.A. continues to shape careers long after graduation.