Center for Digital Business

Mission and Objectives

CDB’s mission is to connect Howard University’s next generation of business professionals with the tools and training necessary to build, lead and scale organizations in today’s digital landscape. We have four objectives in pursuit of this mission:

1. Be a trusted resource for students seeking to gain experience with business technologies for their career and/or business venture.

2. Facilitate training and certification opportunities within our educational scope of Consumer Experience, Business Intelligence, Cybersecurity, 5G and other emerging technologies.

3. Collaborate with industry to curate unique, experiential learning opportunities and enhance facilities for students.

4. Partner with faculty to enhance curriculum and develop new course projects to reflect major trends in the digital economy.

Our Approach

At the Center for Digital Business, we don't just teach students how to use the latest business technologies, we empower them to lead the digital revolution. Our holistic approach integrates hands-on projects, guest speakers, and cutting-edge software with the classroom experience to provide students with the most relevant education possible. By partnering with industry-leading businesses and facilitating faculty development workshops, our students receive timely and practical training in the latest trends and technologies in business. Whether you're interested in marketing, finance, or supply chain, CDB provides the necessary tools and training to build a successful career in the digital economy. Visit us on the 4th floor to experience our collaborative workspace and cybersecurity lab firsthand. Don't just learn about the future of business, help create it with the Center for Digital Business.

Educational Scope

When you connect with CDB, whether through our events, trainings, or blog, you can expect to get timely, practical education on the latest trends and technologies in business. Your experiences with our Center will add tangible skill sets to your resume, help you speak knowledgeably about present-day business practices and procedure, and seamlessly transition into your next internship or full-time role.

Read more about our key learning areas and programs below.

Consumer Experience

Consumer experience describes the impression and interactions a customer has with a business over the course of their buyer's journey. Providing a high-quality consumer experience requires a deep understanding of the customers' motivations, their journey with the business, the best time and place to engage, and how to improve the company's products or services. Sales and marketing teams devote lots of time to enhancing their consumer experience strategies because customers are willing to pay a premium for quality service.

Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence (BI) comprises the strategies and technologies used by enterprises for the analysis and management of business information. BI gives companies a clear view of all their data, which allows for improvement to business strategies, operations, organizational health, financial management and customer services. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for BI analysts is expected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of using technologies and processes to protect internet-connected systems, devices, programs and data from digital attacks. Governments, medical and financial institutions, universities and companies store extensive amounts of data that may include sensitive information such as intellectual property or our personal information. For this reason, cybersecurity is a top priority in every industry. In fact, estimates claim that cybersecurity spending will continue to increase worldwide, totaling $1.75 trillion by 2025.

5G Technologies

5G technology is the latest iteration of wireless network technology that promises to revolutionize the way we communicate, connect, and do business. It is designed to provide faster internet speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth than previous wireless technologies, such as 4G LTE. 5G will continue to enable the development of new technologies and services, including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and virtual and augmented reality. According to a report by IHS Markit, 5G technology is expected to contribute $13.2 trillion to the global economy by 2035.

Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are transforming the way we live, work, and interact with each other. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize entire industries, create new career opportunities, and impact the economy and society in significant ways. It’s clear that these technologies are here to stay and will grow to billion, if not trillion, dollar markets. Companies and professionals that embrace emerging technologies are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Programs

The Center for Digital Business hosts an array of events, trainings, and experiential learning opportunities for you to take advantage of.

Build your technical acumen. Join events with industry-leading businesses, learn about the skills and tools their professionals use to thrive in today’s digital economy, and how you can build these competencies for yourself.

Get certified. In partnership with our sponsors, the Center for Digital Business will help you attain industry-standard certifications in select enterprise software.

Boost your experience. Register to participate in one of our project-based workshop series, where you’ll complete a technical project to include on your resume and possibly earn a stipend!

Grow your connections. The interdisciplinary nature of our Center will enable you to curate your own support system of mentors, advocates, and peers through meaningful engagements across majors and industries.