Inspire & Influence
A blog for the global network of Northeastern communication, digital media, and HR professionals
Lifelong learning — on demand!
Want to refresh your knowledge about key communication concepts, or sample some lectures and readings in a new subject area? The Office of Alumni Relations, in partnership with Northeastern University’s Graduate Programs, makes it easy. Just click...
Our Virtual PR Firm takes experiential learning to a new level
In this Q&A, Dr. Ed Powers, Professor of Practice and PR pro, discusses the launch of a new model for learning about PR research, strategy, and tactics: the Virtual PR Firm. Q: What’s it all about? A: It’s the next level in experiential...
How to improve cross-cultural communication in the workplace
It’s no secret that effective communication is central to the success of any organization, regardless of industry. But in order to truly understand what it takes to communicate effectively, you must first understand the different cultural factors...
2018-19 ePortfolio honorees recognized at 1st Annual Showcase
The 1st Annual ePortfolio Showcase was held on Monday, October 28th at The Cabral Center on campus. The event, attended by more than 50 students, alumni, and faculty, recognized the top 4 ePortfolio ‘authors’ for 2018-19: Josh Gelinas, Jessica...
How to leverage your ePortfolio after graduation
When I first heard I would have to complete an ePortfolio as part of my program at Northeastern, I wasn’t sure if it would be valuable to me. It instead felt like any effort I put into it would be duplicative of the effort I was putting into my...
Collaborative leadership: What it is and why it’s important
As the professional world continues to develop and change, the way executives within organizations manage their teams has needed to evolve with it. In the past, leaders often worked in silos, handling only the tasks that fell directly under their...
What does it take to be a Chief Communication Officer? The sequel.
A couple of years ago, we posted the results of research that showed how the role of the Chief Communication Officer (CCO) has evolved during our era of digital disruption. While not many of us will work our way to the CCO level, we know that these...
Faculty Spotlight: Ed Powers
Ed Powers, Professor of the Practice for the MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication program, is an experienced corporate communications executive with a strong base in adult learning and curriculum development. He began teaching at...
Fitting into a workplace in another culture
How do stereotypes influence our behavior at work? Are our instincts accurate? A recent article in the online magazine Swissinfo described some of the challenges, large and small, amusing and potentially embarrassing, of working as an ‘incomer’ in...
Why career development should always be top of mind
Are you happy with your current job? Actively seeking another opportunity? Starting from scratch? It doesn’t matter. Career development should be a priority for each of us. Every day. Here’s why. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the...