Katherine Funk

Degree

MBA 2010

Employment

Innovation Marketing Associate, Nestle Purina

Responsibilities of current position: My current role is innovation marketing analyst on the Purina Innovation Team, a group tasked with sourcing and developing breakthrough concepts to bolster the company’s long-term product pipeline. 

The majority of my time is focused on sourcing early-stage ideas for new product and packaging concepts. Over the past year, I co-developed and implemented a social engagement website focused on turning Purina employees’ ideas into innovations. I oversee the site and am responsible for working with our creative agency to craft marketing communications and promotions aimed at boosting trial and repeat usage. Another aspect of my job is conducting category and competitive analysis to assist the Innovation Team with white-space initiatives.

Nestle Purina has been a great place to start my post-MBA career, as it is a company that genuinely cares about my success and growth as a marketer. My love for my dog, Mollie, made me excited to work for a company that is a leader in pet care, and is focused on improving the lives of pets and their owners. Even the employees who are not pet parents have such a passion for other people’s pets—it makes it fun to come to work every day. 

The value of my MBA: I wouldn’t have been considered for my current position without an MBA. The academic foundation combined with the leadership development I received at Tippie have proven to be invaluable assets.

Why Iowa was right for me: I’ll always be happy I chose Iowa. The professional side of me left the program focused and prepared to tackle anything that comes my way. The personal side of me built a network of wonderful colleagues, many of whom I hope will remain lifelong friends.

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