<p>Stroud's dedication to practical, real-world education shines through in his teaching at NYU SPS. He hopes that students leave with tangible skills that make them competitive in the job market, and his innovative approach and focus on inclusion make his classes unique and impactful.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">​​Court Stroud started his academic journey with a Chemical Engineering scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin, where he quickly realized his heart wasn't in engineering. His mother's advice to continue college led him to explore diverse subjects such as Spanish-language plays and American dramas. This exploration eventually guided him to journalism, which proved useful in his early career at Houston's La Tremenda radio station and Telemundo and Univision TV stations.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Stroud's story didn't end there. Despite initial setbacks in law school applications, he pursued an MBA to understand business fundamentals. His career took him to significant roles in media sales, including Univision and digital startups, and leading U.S. operations for TV Azteca.<br> </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Stroud's teaching career began unexpectedly in Mexico, where he taught GMAT, GRE, and SAT prep classes. His passion for teaching was reignited years later, when he took roles at <a href="/content/sps-nyu/homepage.html" title="NYU SPS Homepage">NYU SPS</a> and <a href="https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" title="NYU Steinhardt">NYU Steinhardt</a>, teaching courses on media and advertising.</span></p>

<p>Stroud attributes his love for teaching to his family, particularly his mother and grandmother, who were both educators. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge keeps him motivated. He believes in teaching what he needs to learn, constantly updating his courses with the latest industry developments, such as artificial intelligence.</p> <p>Stroud's students appreciate the practical nature of his coursework. He integrates theory with real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are ready to excel from day one in their careers. His focus on hands-on experience with research tools and certifications has proven beneficial for students, many attributing their job successes to the skills they acquired in his classes.</p> <p>For Stroud, nothing is more valuable than the opportunity to provide students with hands-on experience and relevant certifications during his courses. His greatest challenge is finding enough time to spend with each student. His dedication to providing practical knowledge and networking opportunities has been a significant factor in his students' successes.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">NYU SPS students have the benefit of learning from experienced leaders in the field, and taking Stroud's courses is no exception. As co-host and executive producer of <a href="https://revolverpodcasts.com/shows/revolucion/" target="_blank" title="The Revolución podcast">The Revolución podcast</a>, Stroud interviews media and entertainment leaders, primarily from the US Hispanic community. As the world of podcasting continues to blossom, Stroud's students get to learn from his first-hand experiences as a marketer. “I love trying to keep abreast of the rapid fire changes in the media, advertising, and marketing worlds in order to share some of that knowledge with students,” Stroud adds. He incorporates a multicultural perspective into his lessons, using examples from diverse communities to enrich the learning experience.</span></p>

<p>Stroud's advice for students is to get fired early in their careers. Yes, fired! He shares, &quot;I had an interview in 1998 after grad school with a high ranking media executive.” The executive said, “I don't have a job for you, but I'll give you the same advice I gave my daughter and nephew who are also graduating. I hope you get canned early in your career. They'll use the fear of getting fired to control you, to make you fear them. But after your first time getting the ax, no one can scare you with that threat again.”</p> <p>Stroud explains, “I've been fired two times and laid off once. That executive was right. I was terrified and ashamed the first time. After that, I didn't fret so much.&quot;</p> <p>Beyond getting let go early on in their career, Stroud also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, encouraging students to read, attend seminars, and network with knowledgeable individuals.</p> <p>Stroud's resounding message to prospective students is one of perseverance. Expect to hear about his own experiences of setbacks and triumphs in the classroom, and take note of how he's overcome failures. His story and teachings inspire students to pursue their passions and never give up, no matter the challenges they face.</p> <p>Start learning from top professionals in the field by joining the next wave of innovative marketing professionals 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>.</p>