Alumna Finds a Passion in Customer Data Analytics at a UK-based Company: October’s aMaizeing Alumni

By Alexis Menard On October 26, 2020 2:30 pm

Gina Dillon, BBA ’13

Alumna, Gina Dillon graduated from UM-Flint’s School of Management with a BBA in Marketing in 2013. Gina was recently promoted to Senior Client Lead at a global customer data science company headquartered in the United Kingdom. She has always been intrigued by consumer behavior and “why behind the by,” and also enjoys the customer data analysis within her career. As our featured Alumni of the month, Gina gives insight into her experiences at UM-Flint, why she went into an analytics-based career path, and advice for students thinking of pursuing a career in marketing.

Q: Degree(s) and graduation year
A: Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing), 2013

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? What is your normal day to day?
A: I am a Senior Client Lead for a UK-based company called dunnhumby (dh). I’ve been with dh since June 2019 and was promoted (from Client Lead) in August 2020. In my role, I help a large local grocery retailer perfect the science of shopping through customer data analysis.

Q: Why did you choose UM-Flint for your degree(s)?
A: I really enjoyed the convenience of the campus being so close to home, flexible course formats and top-quality instruction.

Q: What is one of your favorite experiences at UM-Flint?
A: My first year at UM-Flint, I captained a team for the Relay for Life lock-in event. It was fun to participate in such a unique on-campus experience while raising money for a good cause.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: My favorite course at UM-Flint was BUS 338: Consumer Behavior with Dan Lake. I’ve always been most intrigued by the “why behind the buy,” which is how I ended up taking an analytics-based path for my career.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: Outside of my beautiful 5-year-old daughter, I’ve been proud to volunteer my time and financial resources to various community-based organizations. The causes closest to my heart are kids, civil rights and the environment.

Q: What advice would you give students that are thinking of pursuing a career in your field?
A: Go for it! Pursue what you’re passionate about. My role is heavily focused on interpersonal relationship building and a passion for improving the lives of consumers.

Q: Fun Facts!
A: I’ve loved the University of Michigan since I was a little girl. I used to shoot hoops with my dad in a Chris Webber jersey, and my entire bedroom was covered in all things “Wolverine,” down to my bed comforter and waste basket!