<p>When students enter the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-public-relations-and-corporate-communication.html" target="_self">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication</a> program at NYU SPS, they bring their valuable experiences and perspectives to the classroom with them. Though they are pursuing the same degree, the world of PR and communications is as diverse as the professionals in the field.'</p> <p>Erica Viegas is a graduate of the program whose unique lens on communication was a valuable asset in the classroom. We were delighted to catch up with her to learn more about her background, her experience as a graduate student, and her advice for prospective students entering the program.</p>

<p>Viegas&nbsp;describes herself as a storyteller, a thread that ties together the various aspects of her life. Born in Bahrain to Indian parents, she immigrated to Canada at the age of three. This multicultural background fueled her awareness of the diverse journeys people undertake and the stories that connect and divide us.</p> <p>Viegas's passion for music, singing, and songwriting is another way her love for stories comes to life. She released two folk albums in Canada, which are <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/64TJ528RWwkFXozFxePa1U?si=J2i58t1oQbiSvO2zrRa-TA" target="_blank">available on Spotify</a>, and toured the country performing her music. Her songs reflect the human stories around us, and she still performs a few times a year.</p> <p>Professionally, Viegas&nbsp;worked at the University of Alberta for nearly a decade in Development, Communications, and Alumni Relations after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce. She realized that people give back to institutions because of the stories that move them. Her roles involved major gift fundraising and communications for philanthropy, sharing the inspiring stories of the university with donors and supporters.</p>

<p>Viegas's dream of continuing her education in communications led her to apply to NYU. Accepted into the MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications program, she found herself on a life-changing path. The program allowed her to refine her storytelling skills and provided her with the credentials to advance her career.</p> <p>Her time at NYU was filled with opportunities and memorable experiences. Viegas&nbsp;recalls her professors' support and the lasting friendships she formed. &quot;I came into the degree as an older student with a decade of experience and I worried that I wouldn't fit in, but it was the perfect time for me to be a student again and I was embraced!&quot; she shares.</p> <p>As a student, Viegas's capstone project focused on &quot;How Confidence Affects the Way Women Communicate Professionally.&quot; She strategically used her research to build connections and share her findings with potential employers. Her internship with the Clinton Foundation was instrumental in gaining work experience in the US and expanding her professional network.</p>

<p>Viegas's current role as Partnership Manager at the World Economic Forum involves running high-level partnerships, programming, and fundraising for youth leaders worldwide. Her responsibilities include building an endowment fund, launching a global innovation prize, and creating partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center, Harvard Kennedy School, and Cambridge Judge Business School.</p> <p>NYU SPS provided Viegas&nbsp;with a solid foundation and network, validating her skills and giving her the confidence to excel in her field. The program's practical approach and connections with industry leaders were instrumental in her professional development.</p>

<p>Viegas's career is decorated with significant milestones and unexpected challenges. COVID-19 forced her to adapt to new ways of working independently and maintaining connections with her team and global partners. Despite these challenges, she found joy in becoming a mother and balancing her career and family life.</p> <p>Career highlights include being named one of Edmonton's &quot;Top 40 Under 40&quot; and leading significant initiatives at the World Economic Forum. She has also merged her love for music with business leadership, leading groups in three-part harmony and facilitating discussions and panels.</p> <p>Looking ahead, Viegas&nbsp;plans to focus on philanthropy, leadership, and the performing arts. She envisions running a foundation for a major artist or working with an arts organization, merging her experiences with her passion for the arts. Viegas&nbsp;is also finishing a new album in the folk-pop singer/songwriter genre, continuing her love for music and storytelling.</p>

<p>Viegas&nbsp;advises incoming students to take full advantage of the opportunities available at NYU and in New York City.</p>

<p>Viegas&nbsp;believes in the importance of honesty and humility in crisis management, both in the classroom and beyond as a professional. She emphasizes acknowledging a crisis with grace and responding with empathy. Authentic communication, seeing the humanity in others, and telling the truth are crucial skills in managing crises effectively.</p> <p>Join the next cohort of diverse forward-thinkers by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-public-relations-and-corporate-communication.html" target="_self">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication</a> today.</p>