Commercial Photographer Andrea Cipriani Mecchi, a visual storyteller with over 25 years of experience creating commercial imagery, recently completed the six-month Digital Asset Management Bronze Certificate Program.
Mecchi, who manages over 100K of digital assets, said the program at Rutgers “was a perfect match as it allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the rapidly evolving world of asset management while allowing me to apply my extensive commercial experience. This combination helped me connect the dots between my past work and the emerging trends in the DAM field.”
She was drawn to the Rutgers DAM Certificate Program because, she said, “In my research, the DAM program at Rutgers consistently stood out as a leading resource. Rutgers has a reputation as being a leader in blending technical expertise with practical applications, and as a commercial artist, this approach resonated with me. I wanted a program that allowed me to grow by using real-world examples, and I am committed to learning and exploring new technologies.”
Mecchi, who manages over 100K of digital assets, said the program at Rutgers “was a perfect match as it allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the rapidly evolving world of asset management while allowing me to apply my extensive commercial experience. This combination helped me connect the dots between my past work and the emerging trends in the DAM field.”
While she found each instructor to be engaging and supportive, Mecchi said, “Initially, I felt intimidated by my cohort as they all seemed to have extensive experience in the corporate world while I was coming from a small, commercial arts studio. I brought this concern to my instructor, and he encouraged me to be confident in my unique perspective. Eventually, I started to see how my background as a visual storyteller allowed me to approach digital asset management from a different angle. My hands-on experience was as valuable as those coming from a corporate framework. The diversity of backgrounds in the cohort ended up being a real strength. We all brought something different to the discussions and the diversity in backgrounds allowed me to have an even richer learning experience.”
Offering advice to anyone considering earning the Digital Asset Management Bronze Certificate, Mecchi said, “Be open-minded and patient. Going back to school after a few decades can be overwhelming, however, the program and its instructors were understanding and incredibly supportive.”
Offering advice to anyone considering earning the Digital Asset Management Bronze Certificate, Mecchi said, “Be open-minded and patient. Going back to school after a few decades can be overwhelming, however, the program and its instructors were understanding and incredibly supportive.”
Looking ahead, Mecchi said now that she has earned the prestigious certificate, she hopes to find a professional role where she can combine her experience creating compelling assets with the logistical side of managing them.
Learn more about the Digital Asset Management Bronze Certificate offered by Continuing and Professional Studies at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website.
Photo: Courtesy of Andrea Cipriani Mecchi
