<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As the world of Public Relations (PR) continues to evolve, movers and shakers can find their academic home at NYU SPS in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-public-relations-and-corporate-communication.html" title="MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication</a> program. Here, they’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills from leading professionals in the field like Annie Scranton, who teaches a PR Consulting course.</p> <p>Scranton completed her undergraduate degree in English at Smith College. She spent the first decade of her career as a TV news producer, working at prominent networks such as <i>Good Morning America</i>, CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and CNBC. When a show she was working on got canceled, Scranton found herself transitioning into the field of PR independently.</p> <p><span class="p-body">This shift led her to establish <a href="https://www.pacepublicrelations.com/" target="_blank" title="Pace Public Relations">Pace Public Relations</a>, which recently celebrated its 14th year in business. About seven years ago, Scranton realized her passion for teaching and completed her graduate degree at NYU SPS in Public Relations. A few years after graduating, she was invited to teach at her alma mater.</span></p>

<p>Scranton was drawn to teaching because PR is a profession that is primarily learned on the job. She saw the potential to teach real-world experiences and moments to eager students. Scranton enjoys sharing the day-to-day aspects of her job with her students, using real clients and current initiatives as teaching tools. She finds teaching refreshing and inspiring, particularly when she witnesses students having &quot;aha&quot; moments where everything starts to click. This motivation keeps her engaged and passionate about teaching.<br> </p> <p>Students have appreciated Scranton’s class, PR Consulting, for its practical and candid approach. She provides &quot;real talk&quot; about what to expect early on in their first PR jobs. Annie hopes her students take away tactical, soft, and real-life skills that will help them show up as their best selves, impress their bosses and managers, and excel in their careers.</p> <p>Scranton considers every class a success because she knows her students are learning new things. She believes that open discussion formats help students learn to connect with one another and prepare for workplace environments with varying opinions. The only challenge she faces is staying on track with her lesson plan, as conversations often meander into important but unexpected areas, requiring some catch-up time.</p>

<p>According to Scranton, an entrepreneurial spirit is critically important in almost all professions, including public relations. The traditional career path of working at one company for an entire career is becoming less common.</p> <p>“There’s just too much instability in the world now, along with too many paths forward for starting your own business or freelancing. I try to teach my students, or at least get them thinking about the following: what are you better at than anyone else? Why should an employer hire you over anyone else? If they can answer these questions and then keep a record of proven success metrics, it’s a framework for potentially finding your own entrepreneurial spirit!”</p> <p>Scranton also advises current students to say &quot;yes&quot; to opportunities. Being young and having fewer responsibilities makes it the perfect time to jump in, roll up their sleeves, and gain as much experience as possible. By saying yes, students will learn a lot and be seen as team players, which is highly valuable in the PR world.<br /> </p> <p> </p>

<p>Scranton welcomes fresh perspectives on social media and technology from her younger colleagues. She believes in reverse mentoring and is eager to learn from her students and younger professionals about emerging trends and technologies that are essential in the PR field.</p> <p>A degree from NYU SPS will serve students well, says Scranton, but so will the community of peers, professors, and staff. She considers this network a vital asset that will provide support and opportunities throughout their careers.</p> <p>The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-public-relations-and-corporate-communication.html" title="MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication program at NYU SPS">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication program at NYU SPS</a> provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from leaders in the field and eventually become innovative leaders themselves.</p>