Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa De Cunto is an emerging business and cyberpsychology professional whose work sits at the intersection of human behavior, technology, marketing, and data-driven strategy. A recent graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, she earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business and Cyberpsychology, complemented by minors in Legal Studies and Science, Technology, and Society, as well as concentrations in Marketing and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Analytics, Melissa is focused on leveraging data, behavioral insights, and technology to help organizations make smarter decisions and create meaningful impact.
Throughout her academic career, Melissa distinguished herself as a leader, researcher, writer, and entrepreneur. She founded and served as President of the NJIT Book Club, growing the organization to more than 200 members and helping establish a community-centered culture through initiatives such as a Little Free Library. Her involvement extended across numerous campus organizations, including student government, academic honor societies, yearbook leadership, and neuromarketing research projects. She has also earned recognition for her leadership and academic achievements, including the Rising Star Award from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the HSF Scholarship, and the NJIT Student Senate Scholarship for Leadership and Service.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Melissa has built a diverse portfolio of professional experience in marketing, customer service, communications, and research. She has contributed to digital marketing initiatives, conducted neuromarketing research, managed customer communications, and served in leadership roles across multiple campus organizations. A passionate writer, she is also a four-time self-published author whose work spans poetry and young adult fiction. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Melissa brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and curiosity to every opportunity. As she begins the next chapter of her career, she is eager to apply her interdisciplinary expertise to innovative organizations seeking to better understand people, technology, and the evolving digital landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, continuous learning, and the opportunities I've had working in my family business over the past four years. As a recent college graduate, those experiences helped me develop a strong work ethic and valuable business skills early in my career. I'm also passionate about writing and have authored four books, including I Have Always Loved You, 8 Shots of Espresso, Echoes of Fiction, all of which are available on Amazon. Writing has taught me creativity, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that continue to contribute to my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can have a career you love as she has received the Rising Star Award from the New Jersey Business & Industrial Association nominated by her school.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a successful career that you love and make a difference in your community.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a new graduate and ready to see where her career will take her.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being able to make an impact as she started a book club for Newark and the Greater New Jersey area totaling over 10,000 books.
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