Saumya Rathore, From Event Management to Strategic Marketing

Get to know Saumya

Program: Full-Time MBA
Start date: Fall 2024
Anticipated graduation date: May 2026
Current location: Raleigh, NC

Life before Jenkins

Work experience: 8 Years
Industries: Tech, Manufacturing, Agri-tech, Automotive, IT
Roles: Account/Project Manager, Assistant Manager – Client Services
Fields: Event Management, Advertising
Undergraduate education: B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, Amity University (India)

Career goals

For seven years, Saumya Rathore built her career in event management – a field she loved for its energy, creativity and constant excitement. Over time, she realized she wanted more than producing events; she wanted to shape the strategy and campaigns behind them.

“I loved the creativity, but I wanted to be part of the strategy,” she said. She also hoped to transition into a more stable, corporate environment while still leveraging her creative strengths. That combination of goals ultimately led her to pursue an MBA in the United States, hoping to get a global perspective on the marketing world.

Saumya also wanted a STEM-designated MBA to sharpen her analytical skills. “I know I’m more creative than analytical,” she said, “so I wanted a program that would push me to grow in that direction.”

Why Jenkins?

Although Saumya’s partner was an alumnus of NC State, she initially didn’t consider the Jenkins MBA program. “For some reason, I kept skipping over NC State,” she said. She assumed her three-year degree wouldn’t meet the program’s requirements.

But after speaking with a friend who had completed the Jenkins MBA – and with encouragement from her partner – she applied after getting a WES evaluation so her degree could meet the criteria. She also spoke to Michael Dixon in admissions. He explained the format of the program and the scholarship and Graduate Assistantship prospects, which made the decision much easier for her.

“I applied, and everything fell into place,” she said. “Even though NC State wasn’t on my original list, it ended up being exactly what I needed.”

She was also drawn to the program’s flexibility, strong sense of community, and reputation for blending creativity with analytics. Today, in addition to her MBA degree, Saumya is completing certificates in Marketing and Business Analytics, appreciating how customizable the program is to her goals.

“Even though NC State wasn’t on my original list, it ended up being exactly what I needed.”

Daily life

As a full-time student, Saumya’s days vary – but they’re always full. This semester, she’s taking five courses and prefers to stay on campus throughout the day to stay productive.

“If I go home, I don’t get anything done,” she joked. She usually works from Nelson Hall, the library, or a cozy space at Talley Student Center between classes and assignments.

Saumya also works as a graduate assistant for Jonathan Bohlmann, Poole College’s marketing department head, supporting social media efforts, peer benchmarking and marketing research. Every Tuesday, she meets with him in person to discuss ongoing projects.

To maintain balance – a challenge she faces each semester – she intentionally incorporates wellness and community into her routine. She attends Expressive Arts sessions on Wednesdays, Free Moms events on Thursdays and visits the Wellness and Recreation Center whenever she can. She also uses the Counseling Center for support when things feel overwhelming.

Outside academics, she makes time for friends, movie nights and recently attended a Friendsgiving hosted by a friend. “I realized that if you don’t rest, you burn out,” she said. “Balance is essential.”

Alongside all of that? Job applications, networking, coffee chats and meetings with the Career Center. “There’s no streamlined day,” she said. “You fit things in where you can.”

What makes it great

Saumya points to four standout strengths of the Jenkins MBA:

• Interactive, Real-World Learning: She thrives in environments that encourage participation, collaboration, and hands-on experience. “You work with real clients, do practicums, and have professors who push you to engage. It makes learning meaningful.”
• Flexibility and Customization: From certificates to curriculum options, she values the program’s adaptability. “When I asked my advisor about adding the new AI certificate, she didn’t say no – she said, ‘We’ll figure it out.’ That flexibility means a lot.”
• Career Services That Truly Care: As an international student, she finds the Career Center especially valuable. “They don’t just support your career – they check in on you emotionally. One advisor even told me, ‘You’re doing too much. It’s okay to stop and take a break.’ They genuinely care.”
• A Strong Sense of Community: Saumya says the Poole College community is something special. “People outside Poole think I’m exaggerating when I talk about the sense of community,” she said. “I’m not. They’re really that great.” Her professors have also supported her growing interest in research, taking time to offer guidance and connect her with additional faculty. “They didn’t have to do that,” she said. “But they did – and it meant a lot.”

“People outside Poole think I’m exaggerating when I talk about the sense of community.”

Final thoughts

Saumya says she would recommend the Jenkins MBA to anyone seeking a human-centric approach to business.

“So many business programs focus only on profit and strategy,” she said. “At NC State, they remind you that people are behind every decision.” Classes like Leading People and Managerial Ethics made a significant impact on her – especially after years spent in a fast-paced corporate environment.

“If you’re open to it, this program will genuinely benefit your life,” she said.

Get in touch

Connect with Saumya on LinkedIn or email srathor2@ncsu.edu.

Learn more

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This post was originally published in Jenkins MBA News.