Inspire & Influence
A blog for the global network of Northeastern communication, digital media, and HR professionals

How organizations can foster positive electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in an e-commerce environment
There has been an accelerated digital transformation amid the pandemic. Many consumers either choose to shop online or utilize multiple channels to shop. Even we are moving into the new normal, the trends for online shopping and digitalization...

The power of employing communication skills to reach the goal
There was that moment when Zirui, Sahar, and Patty moved from researching three cases to present at a conference to agreeing, “We should write a book!”. Considering the pandemic and many barriers we were facing, there was also that moment when we...

A day in the life of a public relations intern
Software security, cybersecurity, application security – before working at Veracode I had a general understanding of these types of terms, but I did not truly grasp the depth and breadth of this industry and its critical role in society. The...

Rising to the occasion: how a class assignment morphed into an award-winning project
Corey Ortiz, a student in the MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication program, was one of 22 recipients of this year’s RISE research awards (and one of two graduate student honorees in the Business and Entrepreneurship category) from more...

Experiential learning can be transformational — here’s proof!
Raissa Talehata, a student in the Digital Media master's program, graduated in December 2021. She was one of three Northeastern University students to be recognized with an Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Experiential Learning, honoring...

Exploring consumer behaviors amid the COVID-19 pandemic with predictive analytics
The Eastern Communication Association (ECA), the largest regional communication association on the East Coast, hosted its 113th annual convention in Philadelphia, PA in April with “Reunion” as the convention theme. It was my honor to present my...

How organizations are preparing for the future of work
The media has been buzzing with reports of the ‘Great Resignation.’ COVID-19 has certainly changed the way many Americans think about work. Another consequence of the pandemic has been a seismic shift in how we think about workplace learning. This...

New research study explores impact of communication styles
Can you describe your communication style? What does it even mean to have a communication style? And what are the benefits of becoming aware of your communication style? These questions are important to consider in today’s world of work, and they...

Just keep doing what interests you and good things will happen
"As you go through the program, don’t worry about where you are going to end up. I always tell my students, just keep doing what interests you, what you love, and good things will happen.” Professor Patty Goodman offered this reassurance in early...

Want to thrive in PR and communication? Learn about the skills that matter
While designing a recent webinar on the subject of preparing PR students for an era of digital disruption, my colleagues Christina Inge and Ed Powers and I pondered the skills required to thrive in the field. Our thought process was informed by the...