Melissa Calise

Bryant University

“Ambitious and driven marketing professional passionate about lifelong learning, creativity, and making an impact through meaningful work.”

Age: 29

Hometown: Coventry, RI

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a serial hobbyist! I’m known for constantly picking up new hobbies—whether it’s refinishing furniture, gardening, baking, or tackling home renovations, I love learning new hands-on skills and diving into creative projects.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

University of Rhode Island

Bachelor of Science, Public Relations

Bachelor of Arts, Textile, Merchandising and Design

Where are you currently working? Fidelity Investments, Director of Fintech Marketing

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of leading the development of a fully integrated national marketing campaign, including Times Square billboards and television commercials, as the sole marketer on the team. It was one of the most ambitious projects of my career, requiring strategic thinking, creative agility, and intense coordination. It proved that with determination and vision, even a one-person team can create a campaign that rivals much larger organizations. The results were impressive, and it raised both brand awareness and internal confidence in marketing’s power to drive impact.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose this program because of its unique blend of academic curriculum and real-world application. The curriculum struck the perfect balance between areas I already had experience in and topics I wanted to explore. I had considered a few schools before making my decision, but ultimately, it was Bryant’s leadership track that helped me make my decision. I knew it would help strengthen my managerial skills and better prepare me for higher-level roles. I wanted a program that would challenge me intellectually while also aligning with my career trajectory, and Bryant’s online MBA did exactly that.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? One of the biggest surprises from my time in the online program was that it fostered even stronger collaboration than my undergraduate in-person experience. The structure of the program promoted peer interaction through frequent group projects and discussions. Bryant designed the program to mirror modern workplace dynamics, where virtual collaboration is the norm. I felt deeply connected to my classmates and felt I learned just as much from them as from the coursework.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Develop your routine early on; routine is everything in an online program. Block off regular time each week for studying and engaging with your classmates. Planning ahead is equally important. Syllabi are your roadmap, use them to anticipate busy weeks and stay ahead. Online programs offer flexibility, but that flexibility only works in your favor when paired with structure and self-accountability.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? In more ways than I ever imagined. Beyond the technical skills, I’ve developed a more well-rounded, strategic mindset. I’ve applied concepts from leadership, analytics, and operations directly to my day-to-day responsibilities. I also learned to lead not just top-down, but laterally and upward, developing the interpersonal skills needed to influence and collaborate across teams. Most importantly, I’ve learned to balance data-driven decision-making with emotional intelligence, which has strengthened my ability to manage teams and drive outcomes holistically.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes, twice! I began the program as a Communications Manager and was then promoted to Senior Marketing and Communications Manager midway through. From there, I advanced to Director of Fintech Marketing. I also gained two direct reports and took on the responsibility of new programs. I credit the MBA program with helping me build the confidence and skillset to not only seek out these roles but negotiate successfully for them.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? Flexibility was essential. I wanted to continue progressing my career without hitting pause, while still gaining a world-class education. The online MBA allowed me to integrate learning into my life in a way that felt sustainable and effective. It provided the space for growth, personally and professionally, without a tradeoff between my job, education, or other responsibilities.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Bryant was quick to embrace generative AI as a tool for innovation and learning. I appreciated that the school didn’t shy away from the complexities of AI, but instead encouraged us to explore its capabilities thoughtfully. Clear guidelines were established and clearly communicated, and professors actively discussed where AI could enhance learning and where it might hinder it. Bryant even launched its own AI tool, AskTupper, which gave students a safe space to experiment. One quote that stuck with me came from a Harvard professor: “AI won’t replace humans, but humans with AI will replace humans without it.” That has guided how I approach AI integration in my own work.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 8-10 hours (per class)

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term goal is to become a professor so I can give back by sharing real-world experience with future professionals. The most impactful professors I’ve had were those who brought their own career stories into the classroom—they made learning more engaging and applicable. I want to do the same: design dynamic, career-relevant curriculum and help students connect theory to practice. I believe in the power of lifelong learning, and I’d be honored to play a role in someone else’s journey.

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