Jennifer McBride

Jennifer McBride is an online digital marketing graduate student from New Lenox, IL

Hometown: New Lenox, IL

High School: Proviso West

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

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 be a science teacher when I was growing up. I won many science fairs as a kid. I have always been fascinated by the why of things. I have always been curious and thoughtful in my pursuits. I was a student at NIU in 2001. I had to return home because of familial obligations and wasn’t able to finish my degree. Fate had other plans. I took a job working in an office and learned that I had an interest in marketing. Consumer behavior and why people made choices always interested me. So, I obtained a degree in marketing from Roosevelt University. I later obtained a master’s degree in analytics. I have been working in the industry for years. It is a rapidly changing field. I have always tried to stay current in the technology associated with the field. Begin act two with NIU…

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
While looking for continuing education opportunities for my individual development plan (IDP) at work I came upon the Master of Science in digital marketing. I was drawn to the online M.S. in digital marketing program at NIU because I felt that they fostered a culture of networking, learning and professional development. Considering the “new thing” was MySpace when I received my original degree, I thought it was time to learn some new skills. NIU seemed like the perfect place to learn them.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
I have never felt alone. I receive constant support from my professors, advisors and other NIU staff. In some ways, I feel more connected as a student now than I did while I attended NIU over 20 years ago!

What has benefited you most as an online student?
I’ve benefited from my support system at work and home, the constant connection I feel with the campus and my cohort of fellow students, and the support I receive from the program advisors. The use of Microsoft products and other digital assets also helps me to stay connected. I also think that the things we are being taught are very relevant to the “real world” and have already started effecting changes with my current employer.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
Make sure you have a support system of people in your life. Also, your professors want to connect with you. Reach out to them.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Even though I am not on campus, I feel like I have a good idea about what is going on in DeKalb. I have always felt connected. I could take advantage of opportunities if I am available. I am not excluded just because of distance or age. I like that I get the “college experience” in my 40s.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met with other students and have also connected with them professionally on LinkedIn. I would love to be a resource for them as we grow our careers.

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 have entered the De La Vega Incubator Program as an adult graduate student. I think I’ve got a pretty decent chance of winning, but even just the fact that I am able to participate as an adult, online student is pretty awesome!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
From the moment I reached out for more information about the program, I have felt supported by Jaclyn Crawford. She has answered all of my questions. She has connected me with peers in my field. I feel comfortable and supported working with her and feel she genuinely has my best interest at heart.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I’ve loved all of my professors. I really enjoyed my class with Andy Jeong, simply because he has a different approach to analyzing data. I am in awe of his knowledge and am so thankful that NIU has a professor of his caliber I can learn from.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I don’t attend class per se, but I log on almost every day and check my email every day to make sure that I am current in my classes and knowledgeable about all the opportunities available to me as a student.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look at the curriculum. Read about the classes. Reach out to the staff who run the program. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. College isn’t just something to get through to get to the next level. You need to make sure that you are learning and growing, not just getting a piece of paper.

Why is a college education important to you?
I am a lifelong learner. A college degree is important to me because it changes your way of thinking, introduces you to new people and shows the world that you can commit to something and see it through.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Google calendar. As a small business owner, full-time employee, wife and mother, I plan everything! Meals, working out, homework, social time, family time and sleep. My family says that this house runs on Jenn time. They’re right!

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Mostly email and LinkedIn.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to work out on my Peloton. It helps me to reset.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Oh, there are so many! I love photography, bread baking, archery and hiking.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I’d like to recognize my manager, who has supported my return to school and this journey.