How CEO Brihem Johnson Upksilled With a Master's

When Brihem Johnson '24G started his master's degree, he was already the CEO of his own digital media business. But he said he was ready to take both himself and his business to new heights.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) stood out to him among other options for its flexible online format. "SNHU's online program was tailored to my entrepreneurial pursuits, providing convenience and flexibility," Johnson said.

He opted to earn a master's in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing — and he noted that he got more out of the experience than he expected.

Expanding His Skills — and Ambitions

Johnson started his master's program with specific goals. "Initially, I was focused solely on building my skills in digital media and expanding my business, Vi3ions," he said.

But he said he ended up graduating with more possibilities on his horizon.

"Through my studies and experiences at SNHU, I've gained a deeper understanding of various aspects of business management, marketing strategies and the importance of networking," Johnson said. "As a result, my aspirations have expanded to include not only growing my digital media business but also exploring opportunities to diversify my skill set, potentially branching out into areas such as marketing consulting or entrepreneurship in related fields."

Beyond introducing these new career ambitions, he said his program also added a number of applicable skills to his toolkit as a marketer. For instance, he noted that he developed advanced skills in commercial print photography, digital branding, marketing strategy and management while earning his master's.

"These skills have not only enhanced my proficiency in running my digital media business, Vi3ions, but have also opened up opportunities for me to explore new ventures and pursue career advancements with confidence and competence," he said.

A Supportive Environment

Johnson said he realized that he could trust SNHU from the moment he made contact with its support system of admission counselors, academic advisors and other staff and faculty.

"For example, when I faced a challenging assignment in one of my courses, I reached out to my professor for guidance," he said. "Not only did they provide timely and helpful feedback, but they also offered additional resources to ensure I fully understood the material."

At the end of his program, he had a message for anyone working toward a goal: "Never let anyone tell you something is impossible," he said, "and never stop believing."

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor’s and master’s, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon’s short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.