<p>When students come to NYU SPS to pursue an&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aas-in-business.html" title="Associate of Applied Science in Business">Associate of Applied Science in Business</a>, they're taking an active step in paving the way to success in business organizations. Faculty members like Belinda Levychin understand what students need to know as they take their places at the center of all things business in NYC and beyond, sharing their insights in the classroom daily. We wanted to know more about Levychin's background, her experience so far in the program, and her advice for prospective students. What we learned serves as invaluable inspiration for the next generation of business professionals.</p>

<p>Levychin, an alum of the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch, found her passion for advertising while studying marketing in graduate school. Her professional career took her to various advertising agencies, where she worked on iconic brands such as Ford, Colgate, Chase, and Burger King. A serendipitous recommendation from a colleague led her to NYU SPS, where she filled a last-minute vacancy and embarked on a teaching career that has spanned 20 years.</p> <p>In the classroom, Levychin brings real-world insights and timely projects that bring students right into the ring. Marketing trends come and go, but her on-the-ground expertise is a valuable asset for students in the program.</p>

<p>Levychin's initial draw to teaching was her desire to share her enthusiasm for her field with new professionals, which is still true after two decades of experience. She reflects, &quot;I thought that it was a great way of giving back as well as sharing the excitement of what a degree in marketing can bring to someone's life and this is what continues to drive me.&quot;</p> <p>Over the past 20 years, Levychin has built a strong rapport with her students, initially teaching older, more experienced individuals in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business.html" title="Division of Programs in Business">Division of Programs in Business</a> and later younger students in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html" title="Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies">Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies</a>. She finds immense joy in seeing her students thrive, noting, &quot;I have had more than one student change their major field of study to Marketing after taking my class.&quot; Writing recommendation letters for students and receiving positive feedback from organizations about her thorough endorsements are among her proudest moments.</p> <p>Though it has been incredibly rewarding for Levychin, teaching has not been without its challenges, especially post-COVID. She has had to adapt her classes to keep students engaged, incorporating more experiential case studies to complement traditional lectures. She also addresses the issue of attendance, emphasizing the importance of creating classes that students don't want to miss.</p>

<p>Levychin leverages her extensive industry experience by frequently sharing anecdotes from her diverse marketing career. She knows first-hand how strategies can vary across different industries.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;I often joke that I've done marketing strategies on everything from banks to burgers and many industries in between!&quot;</p> <p>This practical insight helps students understand the dynamic nature of marketing and prepares them to jump into the center of the field, without too many surprises.</p>

<p>Encouraging incoming students to keep an open mind and take risks, Levychin values students who challenge her to consider new perspectives, recognizing that the marketing arena is constantly evolving. Her advice is simple yet profound: &quot;Do your homework on time, come to class every time, and be prepared for anything.&quot;<br> </p> <p>Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Levychin sums up her approach: &quot;For whatever reason, I often go into class both prepared as well as hopeful for the unexpected tightrope moment.&quot; This mindset not only keeps her teaching fresh and engaging but also prepares her students to navigate the unpredictable world of marketing with confidence and creativity.</p> <p>Be unstoppable in marketing and take the next step in your career by pursuing an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aas-in-business.html" title="AAS in Business">AAS in Business</a> today.</p>