Why Global Communication is Here to Stay
by Robert W. Grupp, Graduate Program Director, Global Strategic Communication, University of Florida
With a UF Master’s Degree in Global Strategic Communication, Your Glass is More than Half Full
When people speak about trends, whether in our profession or in society, they tend to paint a dark picture; portraying a cup half empty, as opposed to half full. Maybe you have heard this. Some pessimism is warranted, because of divisiveness or uncertain affairs here or elsewhere.
Nevertheless, I remain optimistic, committed to lifelong learning and focused on the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. In fact, given the state of affairs today, the world needs the skills that we communication professionals possess—more than ever.
One of the characteristics of the world that leads me to this conclusion is our interconnectedness or our interdependence. Even people who disagree about the value of globalization agree a dominant characteristic of the world is its interdependence.
If you accept that we have more opportunities than problems, and you accept that a fundamental characteristic of the world is its interdependence, then our mission in business and in society is to lead organizations, clients and companies into a better, more integrated set of social, economic and professional communities.
The question is: Do you have the skills and capabilities necessary to do that? Do we as strategic communication professionals and business leaders have sufficient stature, and do we command respect equal to professionals who practice law, work in finance, engineering or human resources?
A Master’s Degree Provides You with Options
The UF master’s degree in Global Strategic Communication prepares people for professional work in the global marketplace by introducing high-level skills and frameworks for understanding—and solving—today’s complex issues. Employers recognize the value of this UF master’s degree in the job market. Graduates increasingly are using this degree to stand out in the competitive search process.
Hiring managers tell us they are eagerly using master’s degrees to filter and sort the most promising candidates—which encourages us to provide a graduate credential that operates at a higher level of resolution, involving a clearer articulation of outcomes.
At many major employers, master’s degrees have become the de-facto credential for leadership roles.
The graduate-level instruction, all online, teaches positive work traits that include:
- Studies have shown show that online education is harder than residential learning
- because it requires more discipline, personal motivation and perseverance.
As someone who has spent a career leading global strategic communications in multinational companies and nonprofit organizations, I know many students—recent undergraduates as well as mid-career colleagues—are eager to advance quickly through the ranks. You want to advance quickly, but you also want to have impact on the world, leaving it a better place.
I applaud your desire for continued and lifelong learning. It is learning attributes like those we teach in Global Strategic Communication that provide you with the skills and knowledge required for further growth, both personally and professionally.
I hope you will explore our UF master’s degree program in depth, and I personally invite you to apply for enrollment in this engaging and rewarding graduate program.
Warm Regards,
Robert Grupp
Graduate Director, Global Strategic Communication
UF CJC Online
College of Journalism and Communications
University of Florida
Posted: March 29, 2016
Category: Grupp's Column, UF CJC Online Blog
