The California State University Chancellor's Office has compiled stories about CSU graduates who have gone on to creative and successful careers in the advertising field, including this one about Erik Uppman, who graduated from  CSUMB in 2001. 

By Alex Beall

“Some kids dream of becoming a fireman or an airline pilot. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to work in advertising,” says Erik Uppman, vice president of marketing at Cannery Row Company.

“I have memories of watching Superbowl commercials and wondering how the strategic and creative process worked to build the ad campaigns that instantly launched a brand into American pop-culture. The combination of psychology, creativity, storytelling and strategy drew me in.”

Uppman began college at CSU Monterey Bay as the internet was becoming a major media source, and he took the opportunities CSUMB offered to explore how this emerging technology could be used for marketing and advertising. A newer university at the time, CSUMB “was a perfect environment for students willing to navigate their own path and take a hands-on approach to learning the skills that would prepare us for our future careers,” he says.

After graduating with a degree in computer science in 2001, Uppman launched his career, working in several marketing roles, including in advertising efforts for major brands like Chevrolet, Ford and MINI USA. It has even included working on a few Superbowl commercials.

As Vice President of Marketing at the Cannery Row Company, his focus is ​on promoting Cannery Row as a travel destination. Located on the waterfront of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Cannery Row receives more than six million visitors each year as a popular California visitor attraction.

To read more about CSU alumni in the advertising field, go to the story "Alumni Journeys to Advertising."