<p><span class="p-body">For Toni Haugh, teaching in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> and <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/executive-masters-in-marketing-and-strategic-communications.html">Executive Master’s in Marketing and Strategic Communications</a> programs at NYU SPS allows her to apply her real-world experience to help students grow into strategic, customer-focused marketers.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">“I love being part of these two MS degree programs,” says Haugh. “Having been a student here myself, and now a teacher while pursuing my doctorate, I understand exactly what students need. I’ve seen the program from all sides. It’s incredible to guide students through the same journey I once took.”</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Haugh earned her master's while working full-time, which allowed her to immediately apply classroom lessons to her professional work. That integration of learning and practice not only strengthened her skills but also helped her land a new position after graduation with a significant increase in responsibilities and compensation.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Haugh, now in her third year at NYU, begins her classes by sharing a photo of herself with her cohort and professors from her NYU graduation, a moment that marked the start of lifelong connections. “Those relationships last a lifetime,” Haugh says. “The peers and professors you meet here will be part of your network for years to come. Staying in touch isn’t just nostalgia, it’s critical to your future.” </span></p>
Opening Doors and Expanding Networks
<p><span class="p-body">Haugh brings a wealth of professional experience to her classroom, including work at The Knot Worldwide, <i>The New York Times</i>, NBCUniversal, and many other companies. In her courses, she uses real company case studies to help students understand how customer experience strategies are implemented and what works in practice. She observes how students approach challenges, then shares her perspective on what she has done in similar situations, giving them a clearer understanding of industry best practices.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">“Students get to see how theory plays out in the real world,” she explains. “It’s one thing to learn a concept, but seeing how it impacts actual business outcomes is invaluable.” Haugh also invites guest speakers from her professional network to give students direct exposure to leaders across industries, reinforcing the connection between academic learning and professional application.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Haugh emphasizes that her NYU degree opened doors across industries and significantly expanded her network. After completing her master's, she landed a new position with a 50% increase in salary, thanks to the skills, knowledge, and experience she gained during her studies. Haugh notes that the learnings never go away, and it’s incredible to see how what she applied as a student now comes full circle in her teaching.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Haugh encourages students to fully engage with the program’s resources, from career fairs and networking events to building strong relationships with peers, emphasizing that time flies and every opportunity can shape their future success.</span></p>
The peers and professors you meet here will be part of your network for years to come."
<p>Haugh brings a wealth of professional experience to her classroom, including work at The Knot Worldwide, <i>The New York Times</i>, NBCUniversal, and many other companies. In her courses, she uses real company case studies to help students understand how customer experience strategies are implemented and what works in practice. She observes how students approach challenges, then shares her perspective on what she has done in similar situations, giving them a clearer understanding of industry best practices.</p>
<p>“Students get to see how theory plays out in the real world,” she explains. “It’s one thing to learn a concept, but seeing how it impacts actual business outcomes is invaluable.” Haugh also invites guest speakers from her professional network to give students direct exposure to leaders across industries, reinforcing the connection between academic learning and professional application.</p>
<p>Haugh emphasizes that her NYU degree opened doors across industries and significantly expanded her network. After completing her master's, she landed a new position with a 50% increase in salary, thanks to the skills, knowledge, and experience she gained during her studies. Haugh notes that the learnings never go away, and it’s incredible to see how what she applied as a student now comes full circle in her teaching.</p>
<p>Haugh encourages students to fully engage with the program’s resources, from career fairs and networking events to building strong relationships with peers, emphasizing that time flies and every opportunity can shape their future success.</p>
Guiding Students Through Their Journey
<p>Haugh’s unique perspective as a former student, current doctoral candidate, and instructor allows her to understand what students enjoy and what challenges them. Haugh puts herself in her students’ shoes, understanding what will engage them, challenge them, and what they need to take away from class, a perspective that makes her teaching especially rewarding</p>
<p>Watching students evolve and apply their learning is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching for Haugh. She describes how seeing students approach marketing and strategic communication challenges with fresh perspectives and then providing guidance from her own experience creates a dynamic, interactive learning environment. “The growth I witness each semester is what makes teaching so exciting,” she says.</p>
<p>Haugh encourages students to actively use every resource available: attend career fairs, engage with professors, participate in graduate student clubs, and cultivate peer relationships. “Your peers are part of your professional foundation,” she says. “The network you build here is just as important as the skills you develop. Take advantage of every opportunity, and don’t let a moment go to waste.”</p>