How Eller Helped Mya DeJong '26 MSM Find Her Path From Forensic Psychology to Event Management
When Mya DeJong ’26 MSM arrived at the University of Arizona from her small hometown in South Dakota in 2022, she had a clear plan: earn a degree in psychology and criminology, then pursue a career in forensic psychology. Business wasn’t even on her radar.
Fast forward to today, and Mya is preparing to graduate from the Eller College of Management with her Master of Science in Marketing (MSM). A path she never expected, but one that ultimately transformed how she understands her strengths, interests and future.
The turning point came during what Mya calls her “inevitable mid-college crisis.” As she reflected on her experiences, she noticed a pattern. Whether coordinating high school clubs, planning special moments for friends and family, or getting involved in student organizations, she was consistently drawn to roles that allowed her to take initiative, organize moving parts and turn ideas into outcomes.
“I found myself interested in both the logistical and creative sides of management and marketing,” Mya explains.
An internship in event planning confirmed what she was beginning to realize. This was where her passion truly lived. She added a minor in Business Administration through Eller, and immediately noticed the difference.
“Not only were the professors engaging, but they were genuinely passionate about their subjects,” she says. “That energy made me excited to learn.”
After graduating a year early with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Science in May 2025, Mya faced a choice: leave Tucson to enter the workforce or stay and use her final year of scholarship eligibility. She chose to stay, and in doing so, discovered the Eller Master’s in Marketing program.
The program aligned perfectly with her interests in creativity, strategy, and execution, while offering a clear path forward at a pivotal moment in her life.
For Mya, one of the biggest challenges she faced earlier in her education was feeling disconnected from coursework.
“Many assignments feel like tasks completed for a grade rather than opportunities for long-term learning,” she reflects. “You complete a course, earn the credit, and move on with little real-world application.”
Eller changed that entirely.
In her marketing classes, Mya developed original strategies for real brands and real businesses. Instead of hypothetical textbook scenarios, she analyzed current marketing strategies of actual companies and discussed recommendations that reflected real market conditions and consumer behavior. Group projects pushed her to collaborate with diverse teams, mirroring the professional environments she will soon enter.
Several assignments required direct engagement with industry professionals, including conducting informational interviews, participating in mock interviews with professors, and refining resumes based on real job postings.
“These assignments strengthened my communication skills, expanded my professional network, and provided firsthand insight into how classroom concepts translate into real careers,” Mya says.
Through this approach, coursework shifted from academic obligation to meaningful, career-building experience—and helped her rediscover her motivation.
With a cohort of roughly 40 students, the MSM program offers a highly personalized learning environment. Professors take the time to understand each student’s goals and often tailor assignments to align with individual interests and career paths.
Through the curriculum, Mya built a professional website portfolio, wrote and managed a blog, participated in real-life simulations, and refined her personal brand, developing concrete, marketable skills that extend far beyond theory.
One of the most impactful relationships during her time at Eller has been with her Career Coach, Brett Ratchford.
“He takes the time to conduct mock interviews, connect students with real job opportunities, and introduce us to meaningful professional connections,” Mya explains. “His emphasis on networking and strategic job searching helped me approach my career with intention rather than settling for the first available opportunity.”
His guidance led Mya directly to her current marketing and events internship with the Chris Moon Foundation, an organization established in honor of a University of Arizona alum who sacrificed his life while serving in the U.S. Army.
Combined with previous internships at Jane Rae Events and the Project Management Institute, these experiences strengthened her ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, coordinate multiple vendors, and adapt quickly under pressure.
As Mya prepares to graduate in Spring 2026, she is seeking opportunities as an event manager for large-scale, multi-operational venues that host major sporting events, concerts, and business conferences.
“I’m looking for a role that encourages intentional engagement and allows me to build productive relationships with the team around me,” she says. “I want to contribute to events that make an impact.”
Her advice for students just beginning their college journeys reflects the openness that shaped her own path.
“There is no single ‘right’ path through college, and no universal definition of success,” Mya says. “It’s okay to change your mind, ask questions and take time to figure out what truly motivates you.”