Lauren Lopez

"After completing the program, I continued exploring the different marketing channels to identify what our office could implement and also be beneficial to the student…"

Lauren Lopez
Email Specialist

Describe where you were when you started looking for a certificate program.

“I was working as a foreign credential evaluator in an international admissions office when I began looking for professional development opportunities. Analyzing foreign degrees is a noteworthy skill in higher education, however I realized that I wanted to pursue something more creative and engaging. My former supervisor gave me the opportunity to research social media channels and to specifically identify platforms that our office could launch in order to communicate to international students. This opportunity helped me realize that I truly enjoy making a positive impact on the student experience through the use of different communication channels. ”

Were you interested in job growth, career change, or learning new skills? Why?

"My original intention was to enroll in only one course so that I could better understand social media marketing and as a result establish a strong strategy for reaching prospective international students. A year after I completed the course, I realized that my passion was truly in email marketing so I decided to enroll and complete the Digital Marketing Certificate Program to learn new skills and hopefully change my career path within higher education.”

Did you have any hesitation before choosing our program and if so, what areas in particular?

"My only hesitation was making sure that I had the time to commit to the program."

What information helped make your decision to enroll in our program?

“The course descriptions helped me to better understand the goals of the program, as I was not originally familiar with all of the digital marketing channels. I also expressed my interest in learning new skills with my supervisor who supported my development and ensured that I would be able to apply what I was learning throughout the courses.”

What were you hoping to receive from the program? Any specific skills?

“My intention was to learn the terminologies and strategies involved in creating a digital marketing plan as well as to understand the benefits of each channel.”

What results did you see from the program? In your career?

“After completing the program, I continued exploring the different marketing channels to identify what our office could implement and also be beneficial to the student. In continuing conversations with my supervisor about my interests in digital marketing, I was able to gain experience with our CRM by building email campaigns. I continued developing my skills in email marketing and then interviewed for the Communications Specialist position — which is where I am today.”

What specific feature did you like most about the program?

“I really enjoyed learning from the faculty. I felt as if their working experiences guided their lessons and that the assignments they gave were applicable to one’s current industry. ”

What are three other benefits about the program?

1. Flexibility of online courses

2. Networking with colleagues

3. Experience developing digital marketing campaigns

Would you recommend the program to others? If so, why?

“Yes, I would recommend the program to others. The online format allows for flexibility if you are a full-time working professional and the faculty are challenging in addition to supportive of your career goals.”