My Digital Experience

Each and every course I have taken in the Digital Studies Certificate has made me more excited and passionate about what the future holds. I have learned concepts and developed skills in digital media and communication that have led me to internship opportunities, and I have also been able to work with great organizations on campus because of it. Classes such as LIS 202, Communication Arts 155, Life Sciences 332, and Journalism 463 all provided me with such a well-rounded education on a variety of concepts that will definitely help me succeed in my career path.

A few concepts that I was able to learn and practice involve the importance of understanding your audience, conducting research, using Adobe programs, and creating successful media campaigns. Communication Arts 155 provided me with the resources and skills for everything involving Adobe software. I was able to make short films, flyers, a podcast, and so much more involving photoshop, illustrator, etc. In my Life Sciences class I was able to apply this knowledge while I worked with the non-profit organization, Frozen Meals, to assist them in raising awareness of the resources they offer for students facing food insecurities on campus. I was able to communicate directly with the organization to create digital media flyers, and social media posts for them so that they would achieve this goal. LIS 202, on the other hand, taught me about the accessibility of digital technology and how there are gaps in people’s knowledge of the digital world. It also made me look at digital media differently, and gave me a deeper understanding of technology and how cultures are represented. Journalism 463 has also given me the opportunity to work with a company called Mane Hair company in Middleton. I have been able to apply research skills and my digital media creation skills in this class as well to help them build their social media platforms and retail sales.

What I have learned throughout my journey in the Digital Studies certificate is skills and knowledge that will be directly applicable to my future career. When I work with a client I will be able to look at media trends, perform in-depth research, and evaluate information in the digital sphere in order to help them. Additionally, I now know how to access information, literature and studies on digital media and its impact on people’s lives. This information has been taught to me in a hands-on environment that I have really appreciated. It made it easier to take in and practice since I had the time and opportunities in class to do it. I want to use digital technology in work in order to create, design, and express myself. Before college I knew that digital media creation was always something I wanted to incorporate into a future job, however, I didn’t know what academic path to take. I was always very indecisive regarding a major, certificates, etc., constantly changing what I wanted to do because there are so many different things I’m interested in. The Digital Studies Certificate has truly shaped my plans and goals in life, and made me confident in my choices as there are so many different paths I can go down to be able to use these skills.