Susie Frausto

Susie Frausto is an online digital marketing graduate student from St. Charles, IL

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

High School: Pekin Community High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2025

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I wanted to create Hallmark cards or go into advertising. I've worked in marketing my entire professional career, starting with advertising, data analytics, and then marketing/brand management and leadership.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am pursuing my second master's degree, this one in digital marketing. While I have a B.A. in English/journalism and an MBA, I went back to school to strengthen my digital marketing skills through NIU’s online Master of Science in digital marketing program.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
I enjoy being part of an academic community. The program structure enables me to learn at my own pace. I can take the time I need to view online lectures or go back and review materials to help me complete my assignments as needed.

What has benefited you most as an online student?
Online students definitely benefit from flexibility and access to content “on demand.” It has been very helpful to have learning tools available, like video presentations with captions and scripts from the professors, that are not always available in a traditional classroom setting.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
While this program provides great flexibility, resources and content, do not assume that an online program will be easy. Be sure to understand the time commitment necessary to be successful.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have been very impressed with the NIU alumni network; it is particularly strong in the Chicagoland area.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I've been honored to be a part of the NIU Online Student Advisory Committee. The university’s online student success team goes out of their way to keep in touch and help students navigate online learning to achieve success.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The business and digital marketing professors have been a great resource to help me achieve my goal of learning the latest trends in marketing and growing my skillset in digital marketing.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I honestly don't have a favorite instructor/professor because I've learned so much from this program. Starting my journey with Digital Marketing Strategy (with Dr. Vijaykumar Krishnan Palghat) was a great way to jump back into the academic world, as it provided a strong framework for how the marketing landscape works now that digital marketing is omnipresent. I also appreciated the weekly challenges to learn new AI platforms and applications from our Artificial Intelligence class (with Dr. Andy Jeon). Marketing Research and Analysis (with Dr. Elina Tang) was a great opportunity to put what we learned into practice.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
NIU’s online program in digital marketing offers a strong academic experience that “meets you where you are,” delivering relevant, flexible learning opportunities that will help professionals meet their personal goals.

Why is a college education important to you?
Going back to school to earn an advanced degree in digital marketing will make me a more effective marketer in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try to read through the class syllabus at the beginning of the semester to plan the workload with my professional schedule and personal commitments.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I enjoy staying current with NIU events through my student email account.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I enjoy coffee dates with friends, working out and following healthy recipe bloggers.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently working part time as a marketing consultant as I finish my master’s degree. I am also a judge/volunteer for local student robotics programs (Fox Valley Robotics and FIRST Robotics), and I serve on the Cal's Angels board to fight pediatric cancer.