<p>Stephanie Mattera led an exciting career in corporate fashion before joining the NYU SPS faculty as an instructor 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 program">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication program</a> (PRCC). She moved to New York City to join Macy's Merchandising Group (MMG) for its Executive Training Program in Product Development, having earned her MBA in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Global Business Leadership from Johnson and Wales University.&nbsp;</p> <p>During her time at MMG, she discovered the NYU School of Professional Studies and joined the program in 2007, a pivotal decision that propelled her into the communications field and prepared her for roles at global brands such as Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts, Alex and Ani, Ralph Lauren, and <i>Glamour Magazine</i>. Reflecting on her experience, Mattera says, &quot;I always remembered the home I found at NYU SPS, which gave me a great sense of belonging and pride.&quot;</p>

<p>Mattera's passion for teaching comes from her own experiences with influential teachers. Her commitment to making a positive impact on her students' lives drives her to continuously improve her teaching methods and engage with students at a pivotal point in their career development.</p> <p>&quot;The most gratifying part of teaching is seeing students excited about the content, applying their knowledge to industry simulations, and hearing about how a course helped them at work or discover their dream job.&quot;</p> <p>In her role at NYU SPS, Mattera has seen students in the PRCC program thrive through a comprehensive education that supports foundational knowledge with applied learning techniques. The program builds up to a Capstone paper and a team project for an organization or brand in the Practicum course. &quot;Students also have the opportunity to take a paid or unpaid internship as an elective for course credit,&quot; she explains. This immersive approach prepares students to be practitioner-scholars, equipped with the skills needed to excel in the field of public relations and corporate communication.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mattera acknowledges that staying current with industry trends and meeting students' needs can be challenging, but she sees this as an opportunity to strive for excellence. She appreciates the unique environment at NYU SPS where theory meets practice, creating a dynamic and adaptive learning experience. This approach sets the program apart from others and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Mattera's commitment to animal advocacy has intersected with her professional skills in public relations. As the spokesperson for the <a href="https://www.animalalliancenyc.org/" target="_blank" title="Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals">Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals</a>, she leveraged her training at NYU to effectively communicate the organization's mission and build relationships with stakeholders. &quot;Education is an investment in yourself and your community,&quot; she asserts, acknowledging that doing good and pursuing a successful career in PRCC are not mutually exclusive.</span></p>

<p>Mattera advises current students to stay curious and embrace lifelong learning to thrive in the ever-evolving field of communications. For her, being adaptable and passionate about the industry are vital to shaping it. &quot;The one constant is change,&quot; she notes, encouraging students to continually seek out new knowledge and stay ahead of technological advancements.</p> <p>Mattera also highlights the value of networking, encouraging students to build and maintain relationships forged during their time at NYU SPS. She believes these connections will serve as a support system throughout their careers. Mattera also recommends joining professional organizations and attending conferences to expand their network and sphere of influence. &quot;Philanthropy is a fulfilling avenue for meeting people committed to shared social causes and giving back to the community,&quot; she adds.</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>