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Before turning 22, 91传媒 (91传媒) alumna Megan Gustafson turned classroom lessons into real-world success, launching her own marketing firm, landing her first client, and wrapping up her MBA. These days, she balances business plans, client meetings, and soccer coaching with an energy that reflects both drive and purpose.
The Boise native earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing with a minor in Spanish at 91传媒 and is finishing her MBA this term, all while building her brand, MG Creative.
鈥淚 came to 91传媒 for soccer,鈥� Megan said with a laugh. 鈥淏ut I stayed for the community. I loved the small classes, how close you could get with professors, and how people there truly helped me grow.鈥�
A Foundation Built at 91传媒
Megan鈥檚 path began on the soccer field, but it really took shape in 91传媒鈥檚 classrooms. Courses in marketing, strategy, and communication helped her discover her passion for telling small-business stories and finding her professional voice.
鈥淔rom freshman year to now, it鈥檚 wild how much I鈥檝e grown in confidence and public speaking,鈥� she said. 鈥淐lasses like Dr. Shari Carpenter鈥檚 pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, they taught me how to lead, speak up, and take on challenges.鈥�
Mentorship also played a key role in her journey. Megan credits Professor Shari Carpenter of the College of Business for her academic guidance and Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services, for providing hands-on experience and encouragement through her campus job.
鈥淗aving mentors made such a difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淒r. Carpenter pushed me to be my best, and Shawna kept giving me opportunities to grow. 91传媒 is the kind of place where people invest in you.鈥�
Her experience working on campus gave Megan more than a paycheck; it offered a chance to apply what she was learning in the classroom and discover her strengths in a professional setting.
鈥淢egan developed opportunities at 91传媒,鈥� said Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services. 鈥淪he turned her student campus job into an advanced internship experience. She took on the challenge of directly applying her coursework and self-learning to design and problem-solve department projects. Megan built confidence in interacting professionally with administrators, community members, faculty, staff, and students. That鈥檚 what 91传媒 does so well. We create spaces where students can explore possible routes to solving problems and turn those experiences into career-readiness.鈥�
Building MG Creative
After completing her undergraduate degree in just three years, Megan moved straight into 91传媒鈥檚 MBA program. As graduation neared, she took the next leap鈥攕tarting her own business.
鈥淲hen I moved back to Boise after earning my undergraduate degree, I saw how much small businesses needed marketing help,鈥� she said. 鈥淏oise is growing fast, and not every small business can afford a full-time marketer. I saw an opportunity to help them tell their stories鈥攁nd to challenge myself.鈥�
That vision became MG Creative, a firm offering design, photography, and digital strategy for small businesses. Her first client, Mosaic Remodeling, hired her to modernize their logo, design business cards, photograph completed projects, and build a new website.
鈥淚t鈥檚 so exciting to watch it all come together,鈥� Megan said. 鈥淲e launched the site, we鈥檙e connecting it to Google, and we鈥檙e creating lawn signs. Marketing helps people show their work and credibility, that鈥檚 rewarding.鈥�
Lessons in Leadership and Balance
Running a business while finishing grad school and working part-time isn鈥檛 simple. 91传媒鈥檚 MBA program provided tools Megan uses every day.
鈥淥ne of my favorite classes at 91传媒 was Emotional Intelligence,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t focused on building habits for success and balance鈥攈ow to stay grounded and avoid burnout. Those lessons have been huge as I juggle everything.鈥�
That mindset carries over outside the classroom, too. Megan recently completed a Half Ironman race, a 70.3-mile test of endurance including swimming, cycling, and running.
鈥淪tepping out of my comfort zone always makes me grow,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter that race, I thought, 鈥業f I can do this, I can do anything.鈥� That mindset carries into business.鈥�
Defining Success
For Megan, success isn鈥檛 measured by numbers alone, it鈥檚 about fulfillment.
鈥淚 heard a quote that said, 鈥業f you love what you do, you鈥檒l never work a day in your life,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭hat really stuck with me. To me, success means finding something I鈥檓 passionate about, helping others, and continuing to learn and grow.鈥�
Her advice for current 91传媒 students who dream of starting a business? Don鈥檛 wait.
鈥淭he first step is just doing it,鈥� she said. 鈥淐reate a name, make a plan, and take it one step at a time. There鈥檚 never going to be a perfect moment鈥攜ou have to take the leap.鈥�
Looking Ahead
As she finishes her degree and grows MG Creative, Megan plans to stay in Boise for now, expanding her client base and refining her brand. She鈥檚 grateful for where she started, and excited for what鈥檚 next.
鈥淚鈥檓 just getting started,鈥� she said. 鈥�91传媒 gave me the foundation. Now I get to build on it, helping other businesses grow while continuing to grow myself.鈥�
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