Parissa Amerinouri’s (MBA ’19) Journey from Graziadio MBA to Leading an E2B Project at Össur

Parissa Amerinouri (MBA ‘19), is a marketing manager for the Americas and Fellowship Program supervisor at Össur,  a leading global provider of innovative mobility solutions that help people live a life without limitations. In a recent interview with the Graziadio Business School, Amerinouri reflects on her journey from her early career in B2C marketing to her current role, where she oversees digital marketing strategies, lead generation, and partnerships. She shares insights on how her MBA experience at Pepperdine Graziadio, particularly the E2B program, shaped her career. Exclusive to the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pepperdine E2B™ is a unique, client-based experiential learning program that connects MBA students with executives to address complex issues facing today's most notable organizations. In her interview, Amerinouri also discusses her passion for giving back to current students, advice for those entering the marketing field, and the exciting future of the medical device industry.

Read Amerinouri’s Interview:

Tell us about your professional background and why you decided to pursue your MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio.

After earning my BA in business administration from the University of California,  Irvine, I embarked on a career in marketing, a field I discovered a passion for during my undergraduate internships. My early experiences in retail, food, and hospitality, with a focus on B2C marketing, solidified my desire to advance in this dynamic industry. However, I also wanted to explore new industries to branch out and expand my career. Pursuing an MBA was always a personal goal, and I knew it would also be a strategic step to both deepen my marketing expertise and grow as a professional. Pepperdine Graziadio was the perfect fit, offering a strong reputation, diverse course offerings, and valuable networking opportunities. The program’s emphasis on practical experience and innovative business strategies was a fit for achieving my career goals and expanding my industry experience. 

How did your time in the Graziadio MBA program, particularly your involvement in the E2B program, shape your decision to pursue a career in marketing?

My time at Graziadio reinforced my passion for marketing and solidified my commitment to pursuing it as a career. Participating in the E2B program was especially impactful; it deepened my understanding of the complexities in various industries and exposed me to an array of marketing styles that may have taken decades to explore. 

What is your current role at ÖSSUR and what are your main responsibilities?

In my current position at Össur, I serve as the marketing manager for the Americas and oversee our Fellowship program. This includes the strategy behind Össur’s SaaS for orthopedic practices and hospital systems. Efforts include digital marketing, lead generation, creative, sales team and agency partnerships while also overseeing our Fellowship Sponsor program.

You are now leading an E2B project at the Graziadio School and giving back to current students. How does it feel to come full circle? What inspired you to take on this role?

It has been a great honor to lead an E2B project in professor John Buckingham’s marketing class with Össur, the company I work for, which specializes in innovative orthopedic solutions. Össur is known for its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges through advanced technology and research-driven products.

I learned about the opportunity through an alumni email around the same time I was tasked at Össur with a new marketing project. After exploring the opportunity with Lynda Palmer (MBA ‘91), the director of the E2B program, I thought, “What an awesome way to not only give back to the Graziadio School, but also reap the insights of MBA students who are being educated about the latest marketing strategies." I was elated to be selected and coming full circle feels really special.

What do you hope students gain from the E2B project you are leading? Any specific skills or insights?

I understand that many students in this course might be new to marketing, so my goal is for them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by marketing teams in real-world scenarios. I hope students will develop a fresh perspective on various aspects of marketing and brand launches, including B2B strategies, competitor analysis, and the importance of creativity and collaboration. I hope they take away how marketing requires not only strategic thinking but also adaptability and teamwork in a dynamic business environment. I also hope they have fun with the project!

What advice would you give to current students who aspire to transition into marketing roles?

Take the leap! Marketing is an exciting, multifaceted field with many layers. For any student considering a transition into marketing, I suggest exploring the various styles within the industry—such as traditional, digital, social media, branding, and strategy. Additionally, networking with current marketing professionals and picking their brains can be very valuable. 

Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known as a student that you know now? 

Networking and building relationships with peers and professors were so important during my journey, I wish I did more of both. Being a student is a time to explore, take risks, ask questions, and build relationships. The time goes quickly and there is so much offered. I recommend taking advantage of all that is at your fingertips. 

What are your future goals and aspirations within the medical device industry? How do you see the industry evolving in the next few years?

The medical device industry is dynamic and driven by innovation, which is highly exciting for marketers. We can expect ongoing advancements in technology and digital health, though these will also bring about new regulatory and compliance challenges. Additionally, there will be increasing pressure to address sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of devices. Overall, it's an exciting time with many opportunities ahead. I am thrilled to be a part of it.