Rethinking Communications

Denise Heckner

Rethinking Communications

Communications degree was the key to getting ahead for Denise Heckner

| By: Britten, Casey

Working full-time and raising two kids, Denise Heckner needed a program that was flexible and would allow a seamless transition to her ultimate goal: a bachelor’s degree. 

“I was looking for something cost-effective that would help my career, could be done 100% online on my own schedule, and be a path to a bachelor’s degree,” she says. “The FVTC Professional Communications program checked all my boxes.”

A longtime employee of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Denise has held a variety of roles in creative fields, but needed this degree to unlock opportunities for more writing. Her recent advancement to her role as an associate curriculum developer was the result. “People noticed the improvement in my communication skills,” she says. “This degree paved the way for advancement opportunities.” 

In her new role, Denise develops content for safety and regulatory compliance training, which involves taking complex information and breaking it down into easy-to-understand modules for adult learners. “My new job involves a lot more writing and interaction with how people learn,” she says. “It's definitely a lot more challenging, but my brain needed the challenge.”

She has also been able to transfer her FVTC credits to UW-Oshkosh, aligning well with previous credits she had earned there and allowing her to check that final item on her list. 

“It’s a fantastic program,” Denise says. “The variety of material you learn is so valuable.”


What can you do with a Professional Communications degree?

If you love writing, a degree in Professional Communications can open doors to a variety of careers:

  • Documentation Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Technical Writer
  • Training Specialist
  • Web Content Developer

FVTC is the only technical college in Wisconsin offering this fully online program. It’s a versatile degree that combines communication with technology—the result is a wealth of skills that can be applied to just about any industry. Students learn everything from designing and writing content for the web, to grant writing, technical writing, social media and video publishing. Professional Communications alumni earn an average annual salary of $65,912 five years after graduation.

We also offer short-term communications certificates in Digital Media, Workplace Communication, Writing for the Web and Grant/Proposal Writing. Learn more >


 

Upcoming Events

Nov
28

College Closed for Thanksgiving Break

College Closed for Thanksgiving Break

Dec
2

Textbooks Available for Purchase - Winterim & Spring

Textbooks Available for Purchase - Winterim & Spring

Dec
2

Veterinary Technician Internship Job Fair - Appleton

Connecting students and employers at Fox Valley Tech's Appleton campus.

Dec
13

Winter Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations, graduates!

Dec
16

Textbook Buyback & Rental Returns

Textbook Buyback & Rental Returns

Dec
19

Adult Preview Day - Appleton

Looking for a career change? Want to refresh a skill or topic? Ready for a change? Visit the FVTC Admissions Specialist team for a one-on-one opportunity to discuss your options to get started.

@FOXVALLEYTECH ON INSTAGRAM


Join Our Email List

Subscribe Today

Your information will remain private. FVTC will never share our email lists. See FVTC's privacy policy.

Student & Alumni Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Cole Henke

Student Spotlight: Cole Henke

Cole chose to pursue a career in firefighting because it offers a dynamic environment, with new challenges and varied experiences each day.
Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

For Syndey one of the most rewarding aspects of Early Childhood Education is the ability to make a difference in the lives of children.

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Stazy chose FVTC because she appreciates the opportunity to earn her degree in just two years, all while benefiting from personalized,...
Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Noel chose the Marketing Program because the field is always changing, so there's always something new to learn and explore.

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Andrea Brunner chose FVTC because the campus offers a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and provides a wide range of...
Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Rhiannon chose the accounting program at FVTC because she views accountants as the nurses of finances in businesses and she has a love for...
Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Employees are the key component of any business and Joe Lauer wants to make sure they return home safely to their families every day. Joe explains...