Marketing Communications Today Blog

Are your models annoying or delighting your consumers? Marketers have been using machine learning for years to help create advanced models, but that is not going to cut it in the future. Too many personalization efforts today rely on algorithms that are turning people off. And our attempts at automated personalization engines are forcing consumer audiences to simply tune brands out.

In this episode, we explore the connection between models, analytics, and even Eric Clapton with our guest, Stephen Yu. As a songwriter, musician, and master modeler, Stephen brings a unique perspective to data science and a cautionary message as well: Those who rely solely on automated analytic solutions will be the first to be replaced by the machine!

Ruth Stevens: What should our listeners know about analytics and modeling so they can prepare for the future?

In this special edition of Marketing Horizons, hosts Ruth Stevens and Cyndi Greenglass review the 2021 marketing trends they believe will have a significant impact on marketers in the year ahead. Some fads have already faded, but some new ones will continue to disrupt and drive business results in 2022. And a bonus: Are you thinking about how to up level your career this year? Ruth and Cyndi also give us a preview of the exciting careers emerging for marketers.

Nancy Harhut discussed how behavioral science helps marketers understand buyer’s comfort levels and typical buying patterns.

Seb Reeve discussed “digital first.”

Each semester the WVU Marketing Communications online programs is excited to welcome a new group of individuals into the MCNetwork. The WVU Marketing Communications graduate student population consistently varies in their levels of experience and expertise, with some just completing their undergraduate studies to those holding senior-leadership positions at the worlds most elite agencies and brands. Each students brings unique style and perspective to the program.

Meet some of the students who will be joining the WVU Marketing Communications Network in the spring semester:

Why did you choose to pursue a WVU Marketing Communications graduate degree?

Meet Jacqueline Leeker, Deputy Director, Public Affairs for the U.S. Forces Korea. She’s currently located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and will be starting the M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications program in the DINFOS cohort this Spring semester!

As someone who has been in the public affairs and crisis communication field going on 14 years, I was really struggling to find a program that was flexible to my schedule. I work a lot more than 40 hours a week, and am on call nights and weekends. Being in South Korea, makes it difficult to participate in classes as most occur in the middle of the night. West Virginia University has a great relationship with the Department of Defense and specifically Defense Information School. WVU's program accepted professional military communication training towards the degree, and have been incredibly supportive of the additional demands and need for a flexible work schedule.

I am really passionate about leadership and mentorship. People are influential leaders at every level. Working for the Department of Defense, one of the largest employers in the world, can often feel bureaucratic and complex.