When Kendyl looks back on her career path, one thing particularly stands out: her work has always been about connecting with people. Now, as an E-Commerce Marketing Manager at Baker Publishing Group, she gets to do that every day by helping readers discover and engage with Baker Book House online. Whether she’s launching something new like TikTok Shop, building product visibility on Pinterest, or refining social ad strategies, she’s constantly testing, learning, and adjusting. At the end of the day, her goal is simple: grow the brand while creating real, meaningful connections with her audience.
That focus on people really started during her time at Michigan State University, where she minored in Digital Humanities. The program changed how she thinks about marketing. It taught her how to take human experiences and bring them into digital spaces in a way that feels authentic. Even now, working in such a data-driven industry, she always comes back to the same question: who is on the other side of the screen? That perspective shapes everything she does, from messaging to platform strategy.
One of her most memorable experiences in the program was a project where she analyzed mission statements across MSU’s colleges and compared them to gender distribution in those programs. It showed her how something as simple as language can influence someone’s decision on whether or not to participate in a program. That really stuck with her. It made her more intentional about the words she uses and more aware of how messaging can be inclusive or exclusive. It’s something she still carries with her in her work today.
During her studies, she didn’t fully realize how relevant Digital Humanities would be when it comes to navigating newer technologies like AI. But looking back, it gave her a mindset she relies on all the time. For Kendyl, Technology is just a tool, it’s not the focus. The focus is the person she’s trying to connect with through authentic storytelling.
Another thing she took from her experience is the ability to simplify complex ideas. A lot of her projects in school involved taking something big or abstract and turning it into something people could actually understand and engage with. That skill shows up in her work every day, whether she’s building a campaign or launching a new program. She’s always thinking about how to make things clear, accessible, and meaningful.
Her study abroad experience in London also played a big role in shaping how she sees storytelling. Spending time in museums and watching live performances helped her understand how powerful a well-designed experience can be. It also showed her that storytelling isn’t limited to digital spaces; it exists everywhere, and the way it’s presented really matters.
In addition to her study abroad experience, some of her favorite memories from MSU are the simpler ones. Walking along the Red Cedar River, sitting outside with friends, and just enjoying campus are the moments that made it feel like home. She still remembers visiting for the first time as a high school sophomore and instantly feeling like she belonged, and that feeling stuck with her long after graduation.
If she could advise current students on one thing, it would be this: don’t underestimate what you’re learning. Even if something feels specific to that course or project, the way you’re learning to think and solve problems will stay with you. Stay curious, try new things, and trust that it will all come together in ways you might not yet be able to see.