Communication is a constantly changing profession. The Undergraduate Communication Association (UCA) held an event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, for students to learn more about the importance of data analysis in field of communication.
The UCA organized a panel of professionals to tell us about their experience with big data and to answer our questions. Geneva Harrison, one of the event planners, explained that the objective for the event was to help bridge the gap between research and communication. She also explained that the key publics for this event were alumni, communication majors and journalism majors. This event was meant to help students understand the relationship between data analysis and storytelling.
Although each panelist had interesting comments and perspective, my favorite was Michael Koppenheffer, the executive director of the Advisory Board Company. He described data as a way to “satisfy craving for validation.” In other words, data analytics helps us look at the impact of our decisions and base future decisions off that information. It helps us manage performance in order to improve.
As a communication major, I view myself as a storyteller. Koppenheffer explained, “The real value of doing this work is the story you are able to tell.” The interpretation of data can effect how the publics understand it. Koppenheffer made it clear that to successfully represent and organization or idea, you must understand exactly what the data means.
The UCA did an excellent job planning the event. An unexpected touch was engaging the audience with a twitter feed during the panel to interact with each other and the panelists. This helped solidify the important concepts for the audience and make it easy to ask the panel questions.
The UCA organized a panel of professionals to tell us about their experience with big data and to answer our questions. Geneva Harrison, one of the event planners, explained that the objective for the event was to help bridge the gap between research and communication. She also explained that the key publics for this event were alumni, communication majors and journalism majors. This event was meant to help students understand the relationship between data analysis and storytelling.
Although each panelist had interesting comments and perspective, my favorite was Michael Koppenheffer, the executive director of the Advisory Board Company. He described data as a way to “satisfy craving for validation.” In other words, data analytics helps us look at the impact of our decisions and base future decisions off that information. It helps us manage performance in order to improve.
As a communication major, I view myself as a storyteller. Koppenheffer explained, “The real value of doing this work is the story you are able to tell.” The interpretation of data can effect how the publics understand it. Koppenheffer made it clear that to successfully represent and organization or idea, you must understand exactly what the data means.
The UCA did an excellent job planning the event. An unexpected touch was engaging the audience with a twitter feed during the panel to interact with each other and the panelists. This helped solidify the important concepts for the audience and make it easy to ask the panel questions.
Harrison explained that the UCA was given the date, venue and topic for the event, but students did all other planning. I spoke to two more members of the planning team, India and Johanna, following the conclusion of the panel. They both considered the event a success and were pleased with the student turnout. Of the 80 students who did RSVP to the event, only 15 did not attend.
I would agree with the success of the event. The atmosphere of the panel was relaxed and conversational. In addition, the information provided by the panelists was helpful and encouraging. After attending this event, it is evident that understanding data makes you more competitive in the communication field. I know have a basic knowledge of the importance of data, but I am now motivated to look for a class to help me interpret data. The UCA definitely achieved their goals for the event.
I would agree with the success of the event. The atmosphere of the panel was relaxed and conversational. In addition, the information provided by the panelists was helpful and encouraging. After attending this event, it is evident that understanding data makes you more competitive in the communication field. I know have a basic knowledge of the importance of data, but I am now motivated to look for a class to help me interpret data. The UCA definitely achieved their goals for the event.