Alumni Spotlight: Joshua Balli

Joshua Balli is a Senior Marketing Manager for Cricket Wireless under the AT&T prepaid portfolio, where he executes the marketing for the South Texas region. His role encompasses managing sponsorship activations, media buying, radio script development and new product launches, among other marketing responsibilities.

How has your learning been applicable in your current role?

What I learned in the program was very much in line with what I do on a day-to-day basis. In particular, it provided a valuable refresher on making sure I stick to my core values when planning marketing. For example, trying not to be everything for everyone but instead focusing on keeping in alignment with our brand. Also, making sure to identify “What do I want to represent as my brand?” when working events.

What motivated you to pursue this program?

As a field marketer who has worked in marketing for a little over ten years, I feel it’s essential to stay up to date with what’s going on in the marketing space and to keep up with the current trends. My goal is to eventually move into a director role and I felt that pursuing additional education through a program like this would help me achieve my goal within the next three to five years.

What was your biggest personal or professional gain from taking this program?

It was definitely the refresh opportunity and being able to reeducate myself on important aspects of marketing to simplify my process when looking at marketing ideas. When you’re a general marketer you have to know a little bit of it all, and that’s where this program came in. We covered a little bit of everything, which I appreciated.

How were you able to use this program to reinvent yourself?

In continuing my education I was trying to grow and sharpen my existing skills. One of the things I live by in my current role is “tweak and turn.” This means taking what I’ve learned from a variety of sources and being able to apply that knowledge to my everyday role. It allows me to continue to be a top-tier marketer in my field and make sure that I’m delivering the best experiences to consumers.

What does the term “lifelong learning” mean to you?

Lifelong learning means continuing to grow, both professionally and personally. Not only does it mean getting better at your role in your company and developing new skills that will help you with future projects, but it also plays a role in your personal life, even if it’s not career-related. To continue to develop myself on both levels is something that is very important to me.

In looking back on your program experience, what stands out to you?

A lot of times as marketers we try to do everything and reach all demographics. One concept that really stood out to me from the program was that I don’t need to be everything for everyone. Another aspect that stood out was being able to network with other individuals taking the course as well as the instructors, who had the experience of working for Fortune 500 companies. Through office hours, we were able to speak to the faculty outside of the pre-recordings, and it was extremely beneficial to be able to hear their thoughts on current topics in marketing.

What advice would you give to fellow professionals or colleagues that might not have considered this type of program?

I would recommend this course if you’re looking for something that is budget-friendly and will also provide you with great insights. You will connect with instructors and individuals who are currently working in the marketing field while also furthering your education from a respected university. A lot of companies are currently looking at prospects who have extra education, so this could be beneficial if you’re looking to take that next step and advance your career.