Jeremy Jutras ’27 Likes His Marketing Hands-On

When Jeremy Jutras ’27 enrolled in his first Digital Marketing course at Elmira College, he didn't ease into it. His first assignment arrived quickly. He was told to build a full advertising campaign for a real sunscreen brand. The assignment said to visit their website and read their customer reviews. Find what’s not working and figure out why.

"It's real world, right now," explained Jutras. The instructions said, "They need help. We want you to help them."

This hands-on and action-packed approach was exactly what Jutras had been looking for. A junior studying Business Administration with a concentration in Digital Marketing, Jutras is a ball of energy. He's been a competitive cheerleader since seventh grade, went to nationals in Daytona with the EC squad, and keeps his schedule full by design. What he wanted from his coursework was something that could keep up with his fast pace and emphasis on experiential learning.

He found the same energy in Dr. Alison Wolfe, his advisor. She is Professor of Marketing and Management and Director of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School program. She’s known for being the kind of professor who takes students on marketing field trips to New York City, Rochester, and Syracuse and calls students to check in on their schedules.

So, when Wolfe pointed Jutras toward the online Digital Marketing courses developed through Rize Education, he listened.

"She really leads by great example," he shared. "Her classes are very hands-on and engaging. There's no big test or sit-down exam. We're constantly getting in groups, talking, and sparking ideas.”

For Jutras, the Rize coursework felt immediately familiar. It’s self-paced, project-based, and built around real brands and real decisions instead of textbook scenarios. Jutras, who is heading into his senior year with an internship requirement ahead of him and a career in sales and marketing in his sights, didn't need convincing that this was the right kind of preparation.

He also appreciated how the course, since it’s online, offered him the ability to adjust when and where he gets his work done. Between practice, travel, and everything else that fills a competitive student-athlete's week, he’s benefited from having the freedom to work ahead or push tasks to the weekend without penalty.

"I appreciate the flexibility," he said. "I don't have to worry about being boots on the ground in a classroom."

Jeremy is already registered for two more Digital Marketing courses next year. He knows where he's headed, and he’s already working toward it, one project, one course, one season at a time.