<p>A world of possibilities opens when students pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html" title="MS in Intergrated Marketing">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> at NYU SPS. With leading practitioners positioned to share their industry insights in the classroom, this program places students at the center of it all. Kathleen Rennie is the Chair and a Clinical Professor of Integrated Marketing and Communications and recently sat down with us to share her thoughts on the program.</p>

<p>Born and raised in New Jersey, just a short commute from New York City, Dr. Rennie has always been a skip away from the world's marketing and public relations hub. &quot;Being close to NYC helps one imagine, strive, network, and go far,&quot; she shares. Armed with an undergraduate degree in English and Communications from Rutgers University, she began her career in internal communication at NJ Transit and soon found herself rising through the ranks.</p> <p>Her dedication to learning didn't stop there. While working, she pursued a graduate degree in Corporate Communications from Seton Hall University, eventually being promoted to spokesperson at NJ Transit. &quot;My graduate degree and experience allowed me to 'meet the moment' when Seton Hall asked me to lead their undergraduate program,&quot; she explains. At age 28, she began building Seton Hall's Public Relations program into one of the best in the region. Over the next 15 years, she earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), co-founded an integrated marketing communication firm, and completed a PhD in Higher Education Leadership and Management. This wealth of experience led her to NYU SPS, where she now shares her industry expertise with students.</p>

<p>&quot;I love teaching strategic communication because I love doing strategic communications,&quot; Dr. Rennie says. This passion has driven her to continuously explore the field, network with industry leaders, and share her knowledge with students. She finds a reflection of herself in her students. &quot;They have found something they love to do, can do well, and want to dive into even more.&quot;</p> <p>Her hands-on experience allows her to keep the marketing curriculum at NYU SPS current and dynamic. &quot;We deliver marketing, public relations, and strategic communications education at the speed of industry... and right now, that speed is full throttle,&quot; Rennie states. By bringing well-respected industry experts into the classroom and staying connected to leading trade organizations, she ensures students receive an education that aligns with—and often leads—marketplace needs.</p>

<p>Since the start of her career, Rennie has seen marketing transform in significant ways. &quot;More (and better!) data, more tactics in the toolkit,&quot; she notes, adding that these changes create a greater need for evidence-based strategies to help organizations achieve their communication goals. As she looks to the future, she predicts that marketing, public relations, and strategic communications will continue evolving rapidly. While technological leaps like AI will offer new tools, they also present challenges, such as addressing misinformation and its impact on brand messaging.</p> <p>Professor Rennie emphasizes that NYU SPS prepares students to stay ahead of these industry changes.</p>

<p>Students engage with industry experts in class, attend panels, and participate in events that expose them to the latest industry advancements. This approach ensures that graduates not only keep pace with changes in the marketing landscape but are also equipped to lead the transformation.</p>

<p>When asked for advice for students entering the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business.html" title="Divisions of Programs in Business">Division of Programs in Business</a>, Rennie shares a mantra that has guided her own journey: &quot;Do what you love, and the money will follow.&quot; This wisdom, introduced to her by a mentor who recommended the book of the same name by Marsha Sinetar, has been a focus of her career. &quot;It works,&quot; she affirms. &quot;Focus on what you love to do… and you will want to do it better, learn more about it… and success will come as a result.&quot;</p> <p>Rennie encourages students to go beyond their coursework to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities at NYU SPS. &quot;If you want an apple from a tree, do you lay on the ground with your mouth open waiting for the apple to drop in your mouth? Nope! You climb the tree and get the apple,&quot; she advises. She urges students to see their time at NYU SPS as more than just earning a degree. &quot;Dive into the career-boosting opportunities we offer,&quot; she says, highlighting student clubs, agency tours, global field intensives, and networking events as essential components of a well-rounded education.</p>

<p>Rennie's commitment to providing students with an &quot;all access pass&quot; to the industry is clear in her approach to education. &quot;At NYU SPS, students earn a degree AND a network of professionals that will support and inspire them throughout their careers,&quot; she explains. Every day, top professionals are in the classroom, engaging with students, sharing insights, and building connections that last far beyond graduation.</p> <p>In Dr. Rennie's view, the academic rigor, practical experience, and professional networking are what set NYU SPS apart. See for yourself when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html" title="MS in Integrated Marketing">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> today.</p>