Empowered by 4 New Specializations: Transforming Higher Ed Communication at UT Knoxville

Posted by Karen Sergent in Career on May 1, 2023

Preparing for the Future of Digital Communication in Higher Education

Hello world! During my recent sabbatical, I obtained four new specializations that have prepared me for the future of digital communication in higher education. These specializations were not just about learning new skills but also about staying current with the latest technology and trends in digital transformation in communication.

Sabbaticals are for Strengthening Your Arsenal, Not Just Resting on Your Laurels

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1. Salesforce Sales Operations Specialization: Staying Current with Tech

My first step was completing the Salesforce Sales Operations specialization. It is essential for universities to keep up with the latest technology to ensure effective student communication strategies. This specialization gave me a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform and how it can be used to improve sales operations in higher education.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization: Adapting to Post-COVID Changes

Next, I completed the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialization at the University of California, Davis. With the rapid expansion and evolution of public-facing websites across higher education, optimizing web content and improving search engine rankings is more important than ever before. This specialization allowed me to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

3. UI/UX Design Specialization: Ensuring an Effective Communication Strategy

UI/UX design plays a crucial role in achieving effective communication strategies in higher education. I obtained a UI/UX Design specialization from the California Institute of the Arts to learn how to design interfaces and user experiences that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With this specialization, I can ensure that our digital communication strategies are effective and engaging for our audience.

4. AI Product Management Specialization: Preparing for the Future

Finally, I completed the AI Product Management specialization at Duke University. As technology continues to advance, universities need to be prepared for the possibilities of AI and machine learning. This specialization gave me the knowledge and skills to lead the development of AI products and prepare for the future of digital communication in higher education.

Ready for the Future of Digital Communication in Higher Education

With these specializations, I feel ready to take on the challenges of the future of digital communication in higher education. Effective student communication strategies, improved web content optimization, and engaging UI/UX design will be crucial for universities to succeed in the coming years.

Obtaining these specializations was about staying current with the latest technology and trends in digital communication in higher education (and beyond) and preparing for the future. I’m eager to put these skills to good use in my new role as a Digital Communications Strategist for the University of Tennessee Knoxville and to see what we can achieve as we work towards effective and engaging communication strategies for the campus-wide digital transformation initiative.