At SPS, Julienne...
- Found the right fit for a mid-career upgrade
- Explored the channels of content strategy
- Did a team Capstone project for NY Public Radio
- Got offers before she even finished her degree
- Advanced to an exciting new position…
You were already working in communications at Yale. What made you decide to come to the SPS program?
My undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut was a hybrid of art history, communications and business. I was working on the marketing team for the Yale Center for British Art and realized I could benefit from a deeper understanding of business strategy. It also became clear that to advance my career, I would need a Master’s Degree.
Why did you choose Columbia SPS?
It just felt like the right fit: coursework was challenging, classmates were experienced professionals, teachers were practitioners, and the learning objectives were practical. Columbia SPS was the only school I wanted to attend—it’s the only school I applied to.
What was the most valuable part of your coursework?
I found ‘Content Strategy’ to be particularly interesting and relevant to my day-to-day work. The course helped me think about strategy as it applies to web content, social media and messaging. I have since given a talk on the subject at Yale.
How was this degree a catalyst for your career?
Getting my M.S. really opened doors for me. Before I even received it, I was recruited for a higher level, higher paying position. I also believe that having a degree from an Ivy League school put me at an advantage. I was recruited from within Yale for my current position, where I work as Associate Director of Strategic Communications and Organizational Change Management.
