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Writings from Dr. Perry D. Drake, Chair Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Writings from the Desk of Dr. Perry D. Drake, Chair Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Friday, November 14, 2025

AI Tools and Projects Every Business Students Should be Showcasing Now!

 

AI Tools & Projects Every Business Student Should Be Showcasing in 2025

Whether you're majoring in accounting, marketing, management, or supply chain, one thing is clear: AI fluency is no longer optional—it’s becoming a baseline skill for business professionals.


The good news? You don’t need to be a coder or data scientist to stand out. What employers want is simple:

  • You’ve actually used AI

  • You know its limitations

  • You can use it to work smarter, faster, and more strategically

This guide breaks down the best AI tools to learn and the exact types of projects you can showcase to make your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile shine.


🌟 The Core AI Tools Every Business Student Should Know

1. ChatGPT or Claude (Conversational AI)

Think of these as your always-available research assistant, writing coach, and idea generator.

Projects Students Can Showcase

Accounting:

  • Built Excel formulas for variance analysis with AI guidance

  • Created a Python script (with AI assistance) to categorize journal entries

Marketing:

  • Designed three messaging angles for a mock product launch

  • Used AI to A/B test ad copy variations

Management:

  • Created a vendor selection decision tree with weighted criteria

  • Built an AI-assisted scorecard model for evaluating suppliers

Supply Chain:

  • Analyzed a supply chain disruption case and generated five contingency scenarios


2. Microsoft Copilot (AI inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

If your school uses Microsoft 365, you might already have access.

Projects Students Can Showcase

  • Analyzed three years of sales data to identify seasonal trends

  • Automated quarterly business review slide decks

  • Built meeting summaries that extract action items and owners


3. Google Gemini/Bard

Great for research, data organization, and strategic analysis.

Projects Students Can Showcase

  • Conducted competitive analysis across five retail companies

  • Connected Gemini to Google Sheets to auto-compile research data


🔧 AI Tools & Example Projects by Major


📊 Accounting & Finance

Tools to Learn:
ChatGPT/Claude, Excel with AI add-ins, Jasper.ai, Copy.ai

Portfolio-Worthy Projects:

  • Built a 3-statement model with AI-assisted formula validation

  • Simulated fraud detection by flagging unusual transactions

  • Automated bank reconciliation using Python with AI support

  • Generated MD&A narratives from raw financials


đŸ“Ŗ Marketing

Tools to Learn:
ChatGPT/Claude, Midjourney or DALL·E, Jasper.ai, HubSpot AI

Portfolio-Worthy Projects:

  • Created a 15-post social media campaign with AI-generated visuals

  • Designed three customer personas using AI analysis of reviews

  • Built an email drip campaign and A/B tested subject lines

  • Produced SEO-optimized blogs and tracked keyword improvements


đŸ‘Ĩ Management & HR

Tools to Learn:
ChatGPT/Claude, Notion AI, Grammarly Business, Otter.ai

Portfolio-Worthy Projects:

  • Redesigned an onboarding process by identifying gaps with AI

  • Built a performance review framework with competency models

  • Created a communication plan for a mock merger

  • Developed a conflict resolution decision tree


🚚 Supply Chain & Operations

Tools to Learn:
ChatGPT/Claude, Python with AI assistance, Tableau with AI insights

Portfolio-Worthy Projects:

  • Built a demand forecasting model with AI-guided statistical methods

  • Optimized a warehouse layout and reduced picker travel time

  • Developed a supplier risk matrix using 20+ AI-researched factors

  • Simulated transportation problems and compared optimization methods


⚡ Universal “Power Projects” That Impress Any Employer

1. AI-Assisted Case Study Analysis

Take a case (HBR, Ivey, coursework) and use AI to:

  • Extract key issues

  • Evaluate alternatives

  • Build a recommendation framework

  • Show your prompts and validation steps


2. Mini Process Automation Portfolio

Example:

“I identified three repetitive tasks in my internship and automated them using AI + no-code tools, saving 4 hours per week.”


3. Data Analysis Showcase

  • Pull real datasets (Kaggle or government data)

  • Use AI to guide analysis and visualization

  • Present business insights


4. Personal AI Learning Blog or LinkedIn Series

Demonstrate your growth mindset:

  • Share “Before AI vs. After AI” examples

  • Post prompts you’ve tested

  • Reflect on what worked and what didn’t


🎤 How to Talk About AI in Interviews

Say This:

✔️ “I use AI as a thought partner, but I always validate outputs.”
✔️ “I built a project where AI handled routine tasks so I could focus on analysis.”
✔️ “I experiment with AI tools to increase productivity by X%.”

Avoid Saying:

❌ “AI does my work for me.”
❌ “I just used whatever ChatGPT gave me.”
❌ “I don’t understand AI, but it’s cool.”


🌈 The Project That Gets Recruiters’ Attention

The “Before AI vs. With AI” Comparison Project

  1. Choose a real assignment

  2. Document your traditional approach

  3. Show how AI made it faster or better

  4. Reflect honestly on the limitations

Example:

“A competitor analysis used to take me 8 hours. Using AI-assisted research, I delivered a deeper analysis in 2.5 hours and spent more time on strategic insights instead of data gathering.”


🧭 A Simple Message for Every Business Student

Employers aren’t expecting AI experts.
They’re expecting curious, adaptable problem-solvers.

Show that you:

  1. Know how to use AI

  2. Understand how to check its work

  3. Can apply it to real business problems

If you can do that—even at a basic level—you’re already ahead of 90% of job applicants.


🎒 Final Thought for Students

AI isn’t here to replace you.
It’s here to supercharge you.

“AI is like a calculator. You still need to understand the math—AI just makes you faster. It’s the same in business: you still need to think. AI simply helps you think better.”

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Building Your Professional Brand Online: How to Land Your Dream Job in the Digital Age

 

Building Your Professional Brand Online: How to Land Your Dream Job in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, your online presence is more than just a reflection of you—it is you. Whether you’re a student preparing to graduate, a professional seeking new opportunities, or an entrepreneur expanding your reach, one truth holds: you are a brand.

Your brand is built on what you value, how you behave, and what others experience when they interact with you. It’s not a logo or a tagline, but the sum of how you show up—online and offline. If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be? Write them down. Those few words are the compass for your career story.



Be Consistent and Authentic

A personal brand doesn’t just appear—it’s created through intention and consistency. The content you post, the tone you use, and the stories you tell should all reflect the same core version of you. Employers notice when they see authenticity paired with professionalism.

Over seventy percent of hiring managers check social media before interviews. That means keeping your public profiles polished isn’t optional—it’s part of the process. Let your personality show, but make sure it aligns with the professional image you want to project.

https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/personal-branding/

Why LinkedIn Is Your Most Important Platform

LinkedIn is your digital handshake. It’s where opportunity and preparation meet. You don’t need the premium version—you just need a profile that tells your story clearly and confidently.

A strong headline, a clean photo, and a well-written summary form the foundation. Post about what you’re learning. Comment on others’ insights. Share your perspective on trends in your field. These small actions build recognition and credibility over time.


Make Your Photo and Headline Count

Your profile photo is the first impression people have of you online. Choose one that’s bright, clear, and friendly. A plain background, visible shoulders, and a natural smile go a long way. Avoid selfies, filters, or cropped vacation shots—they make your profile feel casual when it should feel confident.

Your headline should do more than state your title. It should tell people what you do and where you’re headed. For example:
“Marketing Student | Social Media Strategy | Content Creation | Analytics Enthusiast” says far more than “Marketing Major at UMSL.” It communicates direction, skill, and ambition.


Craft a Summary That Tells Your Story

Your summary is your elevator pitch—the “why” behind what you do. If you’re a student, share what you’re studying and why you’re passionate about it. Mention any internships, part-time jobs, or entrepreneurial projects. Include campus activities or volunteer work. Then end with a personal note about what motivates you.

Recruiters want to see not only what you’ve done but who you are. Write in a natural tone, as if you’re speaking directly to someone who’s curious about your journey.


Use the Right Keywords

LinkedIn works like a search engine. Recruiters type in keywords related to the roles they’re hiring for, and the profiles that match rise to the top. You can use this to your advantage.

Review job descriptions in your field and identify four or five recurring terms. Weave them naturally into your headline, summary, and skills sections. For a marketing student, that might include SEO, Google Analytics, branding, or content creation. For accounting, it might be financial reporting, auditing, or data analysis.


Turn Experience Into Accomplishment

Your experience section should read like a story of impact, not a list of duties. Instead of writing “Responsible for managing store operations,” try “Increased sales by 15 percent by improving store layout and training staff.” Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible.

Numbers add credibility. They show what you achieved rather than simply what you were assigned to do.


Show Heart Through Volunteer Work

Volunteering is one of the most underrated elements of a great professional profile. It signals initiative, empathy, and leadership. Whether you organized a fundraiser, tutored students, or helped with community events, list it proudly.

Engage with others on LinkedIn, too. Endorse skills, comment on achievements, and celebrate peers. Giving recognition often brings it back in return.


Grow Your Network with Intention

Networking isn’t about collecting names—it’s about building genuine connections. Join a few LinkedIn groups in your field, follow industry leaders, and participate in discussions. When you meet someone new, whether at a conference or online, connect right away and personalize your message.

Mention where you met or what you discussed. People remember thoughtful connections, not generic requests.


Showcase Your Work with a Digital Portfolio

A digital portfolio lets you demonstrate what you can do, not just what you say you can do. Include case studies, marketing plans, analytics reports, design samples, or certifications. Free tools like Google Sites, Canva, or Wix make it easy to build one.

Link your portfolio to your LinkedIn profile so potential employers can explore your work at any time. It’s your 24/7 digital showcase.


Understand How Recruiters Search

Most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems—software that screens resumes before a human ever sees them. Think of it as Google for hiring managers.



To stand out, use a clean, text-based resume and mirror the job description’s language. Quantify your results, keep formatting simple, and save your file as a .docx. Tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded can help you see how closely your resume matches a job posting.


Shine During the Interview

Interviews today are less about what you know and more about who you are. Employers want curiosity, adaptability, and cultural fit.

Research the company before your interview. Look at their mission, social media, and recent projects. Mention something specific that resonates with you. For example, “I saw your sustainability initiative—that really aligns with my values.”

Show enthusiasm, be authentic, and close with gratitude. A quick thank-you email that includes a highlight from your conversation shows professionalism and thoughtfulness.


Keep the Momentum Going

Even after an interview or networking event, follow through. Collect business cards, jot a note on how you met, and connect on LinkedIn while the conversation is fresh. Opportunities often come from follow-ups months later.


The Bottom Line

Landing your dream job isn’t luck. It’s a mix of clarity, consistency, and courage. Your online presence—every post, comment, and connection—tells a story about who you are. Be intentional about that story. Stay curious. Stay visible. Keep showing up with purpose and authenticity.

Your next opportunity might already be looking for you.


Watch my video presentation here:  5 Pillars Presentation



Friday, November 7, 2025

The Launch Effect: The Hidden Force Behind Every Breakthrough

 

🚀 The Launch Effect: The Hidden Force Behind Every Breakthrough

Marketing has always loved its “effects.” We’ve got the Halo Effect, where one great impression lifts a whole brand, and the Network Effect, where value grows as more people join in. But there’s another force quietly shaping the future of marketing... one that blends creativity, technology, and human drive into something bigger than any single campaign.

It’s called The Launch Effect.

 

1. Momentum That Moves More Than Just Metrics

The Launch Effect is what happens when a bold idea meets real execution. It’s the spark behind the campaign that catches fire, the product that shifts an industry, or the student who turns classroom lessons into a lifelong career.

A great launch doesn’t just start something, it accelerates everything around it. In today’s crowded digital landscape, the ability to generate and sustain momentum is a superpower.

 

2. Why Launches Matter More Than Ever

Launches used to be all about secrecy and spectacle.  Think Steve Jobs unveiling the iPhone or Nike dropping a new Air Jordan at midnight. These moments were designed to dazzle.

Now? Launches are living, breathing systems. They unfold across platforms, evolve in real time, and thrive on audience interaction. One clever TikTok from a small skincare brand can spark a viral wave, sending orders flying and media buzzing within hours.

That’s The Launch Effect in action: one smart idea, executed well, creating exponential momentum.

 

3. The Three Phases: Ignition, Lift, Orbit

Every powerful launch follows a rhythm:

  • Ignition: The spark. This is the “what if” moment... an insight, a fresh take, a new angle. It’s driven by curiosity and the courage to act.
  • Lift: The push. Strategy meets storytelling. Data meets design. Teams align to give the idea altitude.
  • Orbit: The ripple. The idea gains momentum beyond its creator. It’s shared, adapted, and expanded. This is where virality, loyalty, and reputation converge.

 


4. How The Launch Effect Shows Up in Marketing

The beauty of The Launch Effect? It scales. Whether you’re launching a campaign, a brand, or a career, the principles apply.

  • Ideas: Today’s ideas live at the intersection of creativity and data. AI and analytics help marketers personalize with precision. Machines don’t replace marketers, they amplify them.
  • Campaigns: A launch isn’t just a press release anymore. It’s a conversation. Brands like Duolingo and Liquid Death create content people want to share. That’s momentum.
  • Brands: In 2025, launching a brand means leading with authenticity. Consumers want meaning, not just marketing. When belief and business align, the ripple begins.
  • Audiences: Sometimes, the audience launches the brand. Communities create their own culture. The question isn’t “Who is my audience?” but “How can I help them grow?”
  • Careers: Marketing careers evolve fast. The ones who thrive are always learning, experimenting, and sharing. Every project can be a launchpad.
  • Futures: Emerging tech such as AI, AR, and blockchain are reshaping the field. The Launch Effect here is about partnership: human imagination meets intelligent tools.

 

5. What Fuels a Great Launch

Behind every successful launch, you’ll find:

  • Curiosity: Innovators ask questions. They test ideas. They move before conditions are perfect.
  • Cross-pollination: The best launches connect disciplines such as marketing with psychology, data with design.
  • Courage: Execution takes guts. Momentum favors action.
  • Community: No launch happens alone. Teams, mentors, and early believers make the difference.

 


6. Beyond Marketing: The Universal Ripple

The Launch Effect isn’t just for marketers. It’s for teachers introducing new models, scientists sharing discoveries, nonprofits rallying volunteers. It starts with a spark, grows through collaboration, and ripples far beyond the originator.

At its core, it’s about human potential and the drive to create, act, and inspire others to move.

 

7. Where The Launch Effect Lives: MDMC

One place you’ll see The Launch Effect in full force? The Midwest Digital Marketing Conference (MDMC), a St. Louis tradition. For over a decade, it’s been a launchpad for ideas, tools, and connections.

Each year, professionals and students arrive curious and leave energized. Insights ripple across industries. Careers take shape. Products debut. MDMC is momentum in motion.

 

8. MDMC: A Living Laboratory

What started as a regional gathering is now one of the country’s top marketing conferences. It’s where innovation meets execution, again and again.

Scholarships, networking, and partnerships spark new opportunities. Presentations lead to collaborations. Attendees leave ready to launch what’s next.

MDMC doesn’t just reflect the past. It propels the future.

 


9. The Call to Launch

As MDMC 2026 approaches, The Launch Effect isn’t just a theme, it’s a challenge:

  • What are you ready to launch?
  • Who can you launch with?
  • What ripple will you create?

The world doesn’t need more ideas sitting on the shelf. It needs motion. Courage. Follow-through. The future belongs to those who launch.

 

10. The Spark Continues

If you’ve ever been to MDMC, you’ve felt it... that energy when creativity and collaboration collide. The hallway chats that turn into partnerships. The sessions that spark new strategies. The confidence that comes from community.

That’s The Launch Effect. And it’s driving MDMC into its next decade.

To learn more about attending, speaking, or sponsoring MDMC 2026, click here: MDMC


Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Why Marketing is a Lucrative, Exciting and Fulfilling Career Path

 

🌟 Why Marketing Is a Lucrative, Exciting, and Fulfilling Career Path


1. It Blends Creativity and Strategy

Marketing sits at the intersection of art and science. You can dream up ideas that capture attention and use data to prove they work. Few careers let you tell stories, design visuals, write copy, run ads, study customer behavior, and analyze performance — all in one day.

“Marketing offers a rare balance of creativity and analytical thinking — you can be imaginative and logical at the same time.”
Indeed Career Guide, 2024


2. It’s Lucrative and Growing

Marketing professionals are in strong demand worldwide, especially in digital marketing, analytics, and social media strategy.

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Marketing manager roles have a median salary of $156,580 (2024 data), and demand for marketing analysts and digital strategists is growing much faster than average (≈13%).

  • Specialists in areas like SEO, AI marketing, and CRM systems can earn six-figure salaries early in their careers.

  • Marketing is one of the few business majors where advancement depends more on performance and portfolio than seniority — meaning you can move up quickly.

“Marketing remains one of the most lucrative business fields for early career professionals — especially in digital analytics and brand strategy.”
LinkedIn Economic Graph Report, 2025


3. Every Day Is Different

You’ll never be bored in marketing. One week you’re developing a TikTok campaign, the next you’re presenting consumer insights to the CEO, and after that you’re brainstorming product names with a design team.
If you thrive on variety and problem-solving, marketing keeps you energized and challenged.

“Marketing rewards curiosity — no two days, clients, or campaigns are the same.”
Workamajig, Marketing Career Path Guide, 2024


4. It’s the Engine of Every Organization

Whether it’s a tech startup, hospital, sports team, or nonprofit — every organization needs marketing to survive. The skillset travels across industries and borders.
Graduates find themselves working in:

  • Digital agencies

  • Global brands

  • Startups

  • Entertainment and sports

  • Consulting and research firms

  • Entrepreneurship ventures (many marketers go on to start their own businesses)


5. It’s People-Focused and Purpose-Driven

At its core, marketing is about understanding what people need and helping them find solutions that make life better.
If you’re curious about human behavior, passionate about communication, and want to make a real impact — marketing is your home.

“Marketing connects people with ideas that change the world — it’s where business meets humanity.”
American Marketing Association, 2024


6. It’s Future-Proof

AI, automation, and analytics are transforming every industry — but marketing sits at the forefront of that change. Marketers who embrace technology and creativity together will be indispensable in shaping the next decade of business.

“Marketing is becoming the most tech-driven function in business — and those who understand both creativity and data will lead the future.”
Harvard Business Review, 2025


🔑 Bottom Line for Students

Marketing is not just a major — it’s a launchpad.
You’ll graduate with skills that make you employable anywhere, a mindset that keeps you curious and adaptable, and a career path that’s fun, flexible, and financially rewarding.

Friday, July 25, 2025

From Breadth to Relevance: How Higher Ed Is Rethinking General Education in the Age of Purposeful Learning

 

📝 From Breadth to Relevance: How Higher Ed Is Rethinking General Education in the Age of Purposeful Learning


Introduction: It’s Time for a Change & Here’s Why

It’s time for a change in our emphasis areas. The world our students are entering is fast-moving, technology-driven, and demanding in ways that higher education simply hasn’t kept up with.

As the chair of a marketing and entrepreneurship department, I’ve watched the discipline of marketing evolve from a creative-based field into a highly technical, data-driven profession. Yet, our curriculum still reflects a simpler time. At my institution, we require only three core courses of our marketing majors: Principles of Marketing, Marketing Analysis, and Marketing Management. That’s it.

Meanwhile, our students graduate having never touched Google Ads, learned how to set up a drip email campaign, or built a customer journey map in HubSpot or Salesforce. Many have never heard of paid search or mobile marketing. This is unacceptable.

The reality is that general education requirements, while valuable in their intent, are crowding out the room students need to take the kinds of applied, career-ready courses that will truly prepare them for the job market. Digital marketing, SEO, CRM, Google Analytics certification, social content strategy, and mobile optimization aren’t nice-to-haves anymore. They are the job.

The trends we’re seeing across campuses and states tell a story that higher education can no longer ignore: it’s time to modernize. Let’s look at what’s happening, and what’s at stake.


Why General Education Is Under Pressure

A long-standing view articulates that general education “assure[s] intellectual breadth … develop the abilities to communicate clearly and effectively, use mathematics, … understand multiple modes of inquiry …”.

Nonetheless many critics assert that the old “distribution requirement” model caters more to faculty research specialties than student needs.

The rationale for Gen Ed as a foundation for critical participatory citizenship is increasingly at odds with demands for degree efficiency and direct career preparation.

“I took five gen ed classes my first year, and only one had anything to do with my major. I just felt like I was wasting time.”
Sara G., junior in Information Systems, University of Colorado


Campus- and System-Level Reform Cases

  • University of Alabama: Launching the “Built by Bama Core,” a redesigned general education framework to offer more flexibility for students entering fall 2025.

  • Florida State University & Florida College System: The state Board of Governors approved removing hundreds of general education courses, including some focused on topics such as race, gender, and LGBTQ history.

  • Texas and Ohio Laws:  In Texas, legislation enables boards to override Gen Ed requirements, eliminate low-enrollment programs, and evaluate DEI initiatives. Ohio’s Senate Bill 1 requires a civil literacy course and outlines limits on DEI-focused hiring and academic content.

  • Utah Public Institutions:  All state institutions capped Gen Ed at 27–30 hours to improve graduation timelines and transferability.

  • Iowa Legislation: Proposed House Study Bill 63 would standardize Gen Ed across universities, requiring 40 hours but allowing flexibility for some majors.

“We wanted to reduce redundancy in course offerings and allow students to gain more domain-specific expertise earlier in their academic careers.”
Dr. Amelia Thornton, Associate Dean, University of Iowa


Quotes and Themes

📘 On Value vs. Efficiency

“Courses with curriculum based on unproven, speculative or exploratory content” are being targeted for removal, a shift toward workforce-relevant content.

Texas lawmakers say the reform ensures courses are “worth the cost” and help students prepare for life and work.

⚠️ Academic Freedom & Diversity Concerns

“It’s an existential attack on higher education…” — Isaac Kamola, AAUP

🔄 Student-Centered Learning

“I actually liked some of my gen eds, especially my philosophy class. But I wish they were tied more to my major, like ethics in tech.”
Jason R., sophomore in Computer Science, Arizona State University


Broader Trends and Reform Models

Some campuses are exploring interdisciplinary “big questions” curricula that align gen ed with majors. Research shows traditional Gen Ed courses often fail to build critical thinking, especially for applied majors.

Universities are reallocating credit hours from general electives to internships, certificates, and career-focused skills.

“The idea is not to eliminate general education, but to integrate it so it feels relevant and purposeful to the student.”
Dr. Ken Liao, Chair of Undergraduate Studies, Portland State University


đŸĒŠ Reclaiming Credits for Career Readiness: A Better Balance?

Many degrees require 120+ credit hours to complete, yet only 40–60 of those relate directly to a student’s field. That means students spend up to half their degree in unrelated coursework.

This is especially problematic in professional programs like business, nursing, or computer science, where emphasis areas require increasingly specific coursework.

“Reducing general education requirements allows academic departments to build in more coursework that actually prepares students for real-world jobs, not just checking off boxes.”
Dr. John D. Kemp, Curriculum Chair


🎓 Is Gen Ed Part of Why Students Are Skipping College?

Yes, according to national surveys and trend data.

  • A Gates Foundation survey found that 46% of non-enrolled adults said college “wasn’t worth the cost,” and 31% cited “too many classes that don’t matter.”

  • A New America survey reported that only 25% of Americans believe general education courses are very valuable, down from 38% in 2017.

  • Postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. dropped by over 1.23 million students between 2019–2022.


🎓 Case Example: Utah & Alabama Reform Models

  • Utah: Reduced Gen Ed to 27–30 hours, freeing credits for stackable credentials and deeper learning in STEM and health sciences.

  • Alabama: Introduced a flexible Gen Ed framework so students can “go deeper” in their major without being overloaded with unrelated electives.


But Let’s Be Fair: Why Some Say Gen Ed Still Matters

Despite mounting calls for reform, many still champion Gen Ed as the bedrock of higher learning. Supporters argue it:

  • Builds well-rounded thinkers

  • Encourages adaptability and civic literacy

  • Provides flexibility for students who switch majors

  • Builds soft skills employers consistently demand

“If we strip away general education entirely, we risk graduating technicians instead of educated citizens.”
Dr. Eleanor Kwan, Dean of Liberal Arts


Conclusion: Why This Is Personal for Me

General education should be a bridge, not a barrier, between students and their aspirations.

Right now, it’s often a bottleneck. And I’m tired of watching my students graduate unprepared for the roles they’ve studied so hard for.

Marketing has evolved, and so should the curriculum that prepares students for it. We owe them more than just three required courses. We owe them access to the knowledge and tools they’ll actually use.

When students graduate with a marketing degree yet have no idea what CRM stands for, or have never heard of HubSpot, Salesforce, or drip campaigns, I can’t help but feel that we’ve let them down. These skills are essential in today’s marketing world. We offer these courses, but unless we’re empowered to make them required, too many students will miss out. That must change.  It’s time we prioritize purpose and relevance in how we educate.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  


Author Note

Dr. Perry Drake is the Chair of the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He is also founder of the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference and a passionate advocate for career-aligned curriculum reform in higher education.


References

  1. University of Alabama News: Built by Bama Core

  2. Inside Higher Ed: Florida Gen Ed Overhaul

  3. AP News: Texas and Ohio Legislation

  4. Salt Lake Tribune: Utah Gen Ed Cap

  5. Iowa Capital Dispatch: House Study Bill 63

  6. Civics Alliance: Criticism of Distribution Models

  7. NCBI: Gen Ed & Workforce Relevance

  8. Academic Impressions: Reform Models

  9. PMC: Thinking Skills & Gen Ed

  10. ERIC: Workforce Readiness Models

  11. Gates Foundation: Higher Ed Survey

  12. New America: Public Attitudes Toward Gen Ed

  13. National Student Clearinghouse: Enrollment Trends