Let’s be honest: Designing online programs that meet modern student needs isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about understanding the lived reality of learners—because we’ve been there ourselves.
Apollidon Learning is home to expert business and marketing leaders, content creators, graphic designers, student success professionals, analysts, developers, and IT experts. But our team doesn’t just market and manage online programs. We bring firsthand experience as online students, professionals balancing coursework with careers, and advocates for education that fits real lives.
Here’s how that perspective fuels better outcomes for our university partners:
Apollidon’s Online Learning Alumni in Their Own Words
We asked seven Apollidon team members how their online learning journeys shape their work today. Their responses show why firsthand student experience drives more effective—and empathetic—online program management.
Jessica, Executive VP of Marketing
Jessica completed her bachelor’s degree in media and professional communication on campus but took many of her classes online. Her experience has underpinned a career in marketing.
“I remember what it was like to be an online student. There have been improvements since then that help me make improvements. To ‘think outside the box’ when we make recommendations to clients.
“Some universities still have a campus-based mindset. Making programs attractive to today’s students, who have different needs, is critical. That’s where we shine. My past experience made my contributions today possible.”
Caroline, Director of Innovation & Engagement
Caroline earned her MBA and graduate certificates in artificial intelligence business strategies and customer experience strategy online. In her role at Apollidon, she interacts directly with prospective students and manages an array of other responsibilities.
“Every year I’ve been with Apollidon I’ve continued my education online. The experience is changing quickly. What was offered 10 years ago is not the same as what’s offered today.
“My online learning experience helps me to better explain it to prospective students. Being in classes, I can give them a very realistic expectation. When they ask questions, speaking from personal experience is definitely helpful.
“I tell them asynchronous means the programs are designed to fit your life, not the other way around. That they can complete coursework, tests, and reading on their lunch break or right up until the deadline.”
Robin, Student Outreach & Engagement (SOE) Specialist
“I speak with quite a few nontraditional students who feel intimidated by the online learning platform. I can tell them based on experience that it’s really easy to navigate. That support is there. And I often meet with people who are wondering, ‘Can I complete this online program working full time?’ I can tell them how: You have to be disciplined. You have to create a schedule for yourself.
“My personal experience allows me to connect with students a lot better. I can say, ‘This is what you can expect with online learning. It’s not just you and your computer. There are other students. You do still have access to your professor.’”
Jose, Marketing Content Director
Jose completed his master’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in digital strategy and a social media certificate online. He encountered challenges and made compromises but now serves our clients from a stronger vantage point.
“Today, everything is about authenticity. Potential students are becoming savvier to marketing tactics. To being sold to. And they want the real deal. They want to know what it’s actually like in an online program.
“When I’m writing an email or an advertisement or an article, I’m thinking about the person who’s reading it, who has to go through what I went through. Who has to figure out, ‘How does this fit into my life? Is this worth it?’ My online learning experience informs almost everything I do.”
Amanda, VP of Student Outreach & Engagement
Amanda studied educational leadership online while working on a master’s in educational administration. As an SOE leader, it’s vital for her to have a command of the online experience.
“I bring an understanding of the student perspective to what I do. How you can be nervous that you’re going to get lost in the mix. Someone who’s never done online education may not realize there are a lot of resources. You’re not just floating out there by yourself. I can speak from the inside that there’s a lot more support than people assume.”
Kat, Marketing Specialist
Kat tackles diverse duties on our content team, and her bachelor’s degree in English helped her hone her writing expertise. Her degree was campus-based, but she finished it online, which informs her messaging to potential online students.
“You’re aware of what students do on a day-to-day basis. I know how they would feel. I see how they would struggle. With that knowledge, you’re better able to connect with people on a personal level. It’s one thing to read it, but it’s another to experience it.”
Patrick, Senior Copywriter
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Patrick refined his mobile and internet marketing skills via online university certificate programs.
“My personal experience with online programs put me directly into the shoes of prospective students and enables me to speak to their needs through the content I create. It empowers me to provide greater marketing value for the institutions Apollidon represents.”
The Apollidon Difference: Expertise and Empathy
Let’s level up your online program with insights only firsthand experience can provide. Contact Apollidon for a consultation focused on the goals of yourinstitution—and the students you serve.