Mingtao Wu (IMC19)

Product Manager at PlayStation

How did the Medill Integrated Marketing Communications Full Time program prepare you for your career?

IMC equipped me with the skills to empathize with users and act as their voice, which are critical aspects of product management. The techniques I learned, such as consumer research and analytics, enable me to capture user problems precisely and create features that meet their needs. IMC also fostered my abilities to stay curious, creative, and open-minded, which has been invaluable in leading and collaborating with others in my current role and future career. 

What did you do during Immersion Quarter?

I worked on a data analytics project with Optum, where I partnered with three other students to analyze several big datasets and understand how to improve customer satisfaction. We received guidance from the project lead at Optum and IMC Professor Jim Carey, who provided valuable insights and support throughout the project. 

What is a class or experience that sticks out in your mind and why?

It’s definitely Professor Edward Malthouse's Machine Learning courses. The course structure was well-designed that allowed us to build our knowledge progressively and apply what we learned through mock projects on real-world cases. Besides, Professor Malthouse is extremely approachable and he genuinely cares about his students. It’s a joy to learn from him.

How can your industry be more inclusive and representative of society? 

The digital entertainment industry plays a significant role in people's wellbeing, such as reducing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While there are initiatives around accessibility, I believe more can be done to democratize gaming for everyone, particularly those with physical challenges.

What advice would you give to someone considering the Medill Integrated Marketing Communications Full Time program?

IMC is a well-rounded program that covers multiple disciplines, providing versatile career choices. It is not only a place to learn about marketing communications, but also leadership, research, critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and many other transferable skills that can be applied in various industries and roles.