From aspiring physical therapist to data-driven marketer and entrepreneur, Jason Vo’s journey has been defined by adaptability. As a new parent and a graduate student in NC State’s Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, he’s using his passion for science and analytics to help businesses grow — and to lay the groundwork for future ventures of his own.

Get to know Jason

Program: Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)
Start date: January 2025
Anticipated graduation date: 2027
Current location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Life before Jenkins

Work experience: 5+ years 
Industries: Hospitality, business management, entrepreneurship
Roles: General Manager, Operations Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist
Fields: Customer engagement, operations, marketing strategy
Undergraduate education: University of Houston, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, 2020

Career Goals

When thinking about the future in the workplace, Jason wanted to focus on sharpening his decision-making skills and applying data to support business growth. “My goal is to adapt to the changing business world by continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge,” he says. Finding a graduate program where he could expand those skills while also collaborating with peers and learning from industry professionals led him to NC State.

“My goal is to adapt to the changing business world by continuously upgrading my skills and knowledge.”

Why Jenkins?

Graduating during the pandemic shifted Jason’s original plans for a career in physical therapy and sparked an interest in business, operations and marketing. “Marketing opened a window for me to see different perspectives and understand its many dimensions, from creativity to analytics,” he explains.With a love for science and a fascination with how data can shape real-world decision-making, Jason found the Jenkins MMA program to be the perfect fit. “It focuses on real-world applications, collaboration and flexibility – all of which are fundamental to me as a new parent. It gives me the chance to improve my analytic skills, strengthen my decision-making and open doors for future entrepreneurial ventures.”

” [The program] gives me the chance to improve my analytic skills, strengthen my decision-making and open doors for future entrepreneurial ventures.”

Daily life

No two days look the same for Jason. Mornings begin with family time and baby duties before he dives into coursework, business operations or creative projects such as editing photography and video content.

“When I’m not working or studying, I make time for snowboarding, hiking and photography,” he says. “I also enjoy DIY house projects and the gym – they’re a different kind of challenge outside of analytics and marketing.” Free time often means brainstorming new ideas and planting seeds for future ventures. “That mix of family, school, work and hobbies keeps life full of energy, creativity and purpose.”

What makes it great

For Jason, the best part of the program has been the people and projects. “I love meeting new people and building meaningful connections, whether through classes or events hosted by NC State,” he says. Hands-on assignments – where classmates bring real business challenges from their companies – make learning authentic and exciting. “It involves collaborating, problem-solving and following structured guidelines to create a real impact.”

Flexibility has also been a significant benefit, allowing him to balance school, work and family. He also credits professors and mentors with making the experience unforgettable.

“Grant Glass made data science ethics engaging and eye-opening, while Bill Rand connected digital marketing directly to real-world applications. Tom Byrnes, who taught marketing management and strategy, opened my mind to multiple marketing strategies and channels. His recommendations, conveyed through storytelling and books, added a whole new perspective. My advisor, Megan Van Hook, was incredibly helpful in mapping out my courses and making sure I stayed on track. And Coach Dave Solloway, along with his team, provided unique career resources, events and recommendations you can’t find anywhere else, and tremendous experiences that truly elevate the program.”Another highlight was attending the Business Analytics Initiative (BAI) Roundtable Event, where both Glass and Rand were involved as professors and co-hosts. “Being part of that event gave me valuable insights into data-driven transformation and created a fantastic opportunity to connect classroom learning with the broader professional community.”

Career impact

The program has reshaped how Jason thinks about business and leadership. “With a love for science, I’ve always been curious about how data reveals patterns,” he explains. “The MMA program has helped me take that further by learning to make decisions grounded in data over emotion.” It’s also given him a deeper understanding of the psychology behind strategy – not just the numbers, but the people, behaviors and perspectives that drive them.

Coming from a family-owned business in Raleigh, Jason has seen firsthand how vital adaptability and innovation are in a competitive market. The program has sharpened his repositioning and rebranding strategies, helping both his family’s business and other local organizations grow. Most importantly, it continues to shape how he approaches opportunities, collaboration and future entrepreneurial ventures.

Final thoughts

“I recommend the program to anyone who wants to grow not only their technical skills, but also their ability to think strategically and adapt in a rapidly changing business world,” Jason says. “Come in with an open mind and be ready to connect, because the relationships you build with classmates, professors and advisors will be just as valuable as the lessons themselves.”

“The relationships you build with classmates, professors and advisors will be just as valuable as the lessons themselves.”

Get in touch

Connect with Jason via [email protected] or on LinkedIn.

Learn more

To learn more about the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities, and more, please submit the form below.