Emma Koesser is making history this December as the first student to graduate from Illinois State University’s advanced marketing analytics accelerated sequence with a Master of Science in marketing analytics. 

Having already earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State last December, Koesser is leaving Illinois State after four and a half years with two degrees and a job already secured with Allstate Insurance.

A native of Lindenhurst, Koesser was drawn to marketing analytics for its unique combination of creativity and technical skills. She said the new 4+1 program was launched at a perfect time for her to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in less than five years.

“Marketing analytics truly is a blend of both worlds for me, allowing me to access both the left-brain and right-brain methodology,” Koesser said. “I can be creative, but I can also think outside the box and find solutions to problems using the technical side of data analysis.”

The College of Business’ accelerated sequence enables students to earn a master’s degree in marketing analytics by taking both graduate and undergraduate courses during their senior year. After earning a bachelor’s degree, students transition into an additional year to complete the master’s program. 

Upon graduation, students are prepared for advanced analytics roles and managerial positions by building an expertise in statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive analytics. 

Koesser’s journey into marketing analytics wasn’t straightforward. As a business administration major, she wasn’t sure where she fit in until she discovered a field that aligned with both her personal and professional interests. 

“I appreciate how the College of Business is set up to expose you to a wide variety of areas within business, industries, disciplines, and careers. This really helped me understand what I wanted to do and what interests me,” Koesser said. “They also work toward bringing in outside people, alumni, and people from other areas to help you see opportunities and think, ‘Oh, I want to do that.’” 

Koesser credits Professor of Marketing Chiharu Ishida-Lambert for introducing her to the new 4+1 program and developing her plan of study. During the spring 2024 semester, Koesser worked as a graduate assistant in the Marketing Department under Dr. Ishida-Lambert. 

“We are very proud to claim Emma as our first 4+1 graduate ahead of everyone else, and it has been wonderful seeing her personal and professional growth over the last couple of years,” Dr. Ishida-Lambert said. “She was in my undergraduate Marketing Analytics course in spring 2023 when she approached me with her interest in joining the program, and I was so thrilled because it had been a couple of years of lots of work developing the program, while we weren’t even sure if anyone would actually sign up.

“We have now grown to 30 students, and as we measure our success one student at a time, I could not be happier with Emma’s accomplishments thus far.” 

While balancing a full load in the College of Business, Koesser also worked in the College of Education IT, and at Best Buy, where she honed her technology skills, while also participating in the Honors Program. 

“I feel like the professors really work to expose you to a wide variety of experiences that you could potentially encounter once you’re out in the real world, and what concepts you might face,” Koesser said. 

This real-world exposure helped Koesser secure a job at Allstate as a data analyst after she graduates with her master’s this December. 

“That’s been a goal of mine that I’ve had all four years, to get a job post-grad like this one,” Koesser said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to start working there this past summer, and I’m still working there post-grad, so I’m really excited to continue that.” 

Outside of her studies, Koesser enjoys abstract art and digital photography. She looks forward to developing her hobbies with the extra time she’ll have in the spring after graduation. 

“I appreciate everything ISU has given me,” Koesser said. “I’m excited to start this new chapter.” 

This story is one of a series of profiles featuring Redbirds who are graduating this December. For more information about how Illinois State is celebrating commencement, visit the Graduation Services website.