February was an exceptional month for the NMI, brimming with travel, networking, and reconnecting with alumni!

CAMPUS VISITS | We were thrilled to welcome several Certificate alumni back to campus, where they shared professional advice and industry insights with Certificate and Emerging Media students through a series of events. We kicked February off with a visit from Sarah Giarratana, a UX Writer at Google, and then welcomed Luke D’Agostino, a freelance videographer both in Hawaii and here on the mainland. From navigating finances to overcoming challenges, Sara and Luke provided some top notch advice and wisdom!

CHICK-FIL-A SITE VISIT | Beyond campus, our students visited Chick-fil-A headquarters. We want to shoutout Sam Moran, an NMI Alum and Advisory Council Member, for orchestrating this incredible experience for a third time – that is an NMI record! And each visit surpasses the last, thanks to Sam’s expertise and dedication.

During the most-recent visit, students were taken on a behind-the-scenes tour, delving into the company’s history and innovative practices in menu development, packaging, and technology. Following a delicious lunch (complete with unlimited milkshakes), Sam curated panel discussions on app development, business innovation, marketing, and technical support.

Certificate student, Bipasha Bipin, recapped the tour on LinkedIn, sharing that “one of the highlights of the day was the chance to listen to multiple panels featuring important figures from various sectors within Chick-fil-A.”

We want to thank all those who contributed to the success of this visit, including panelists Kaitlyn White, Eddie Seay, Carrie Herron, Beth Grant, Andrew Acuff, and Julie Levine. Additionally, we are grateful to Dayne Young for his role in facilitating these enriching experiences.

ORLANDO | Oh, and remember that little trip to Orlando we mentioned last month? UGA recently highlighted the trip via a behind-the-scenes article written by Emerging Media Masters student Erica Techo. Plus! New Media Certificate student Elisa Fontanillas chronicled her experiences and shared them with the UGA community on Instagram. Be sure to explore both for an even closer glimpse into our magical experience!