<p>Associate Dean and Clinical Professor Martin Ihrig describes his academic experience as global from both a geographic and professional vantage point. Ihrig brings this wealth of global knowledge to the classroom via the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-entrepreneurship-and-management.html">MS in Entrepreneurship and Management</a> program. We spoke to Ihrig to discuss the program, his perspective on teaching, and his forecast of what the future holds for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Ihrig studied International Business and Economics as an undergraduate, splitting time between Germany, France, and Spain. He then pursued a Master’s in Strategic Management and Planning in Ireland, followed by a PhD in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship while he was living and researching in both Germany and the United States.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Ihrig spent 12 years at the University of Pennsylvania in both the Wharton School and the Graduate School of Education, where he taught, conducted research, and developed curriculum. During that time, he also built a small applied research and consulting venture called the I-Space Institute. His passion for both academia and industry prompted an invitation to lead the Division of Programs in Business at NYU SPS. “The opportunity to grow a large academic enterprise and shape its programs in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs was an irresistible next step in my career,” he shares.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of Ihrig’s favorite parts of teaching is the ability to create a lasting impact on his students. “By equipping them with tools, frameworks, and confidence, you enable students to go out into the world and transform industries, organizations, and communities,” he says. Ihrig is especially drawn to executive education-style teaching which bridges academic concepts with real-world application.</span></p>

<p>With the launch of the MS in Entrepreneurship and Management (the fifth master’s program he has launched during his tenure at NYU SPS), Ihrig aims to equip graduates with the skills to launch various types of ventures, whether they are for-profit, nonprofit organizations, initiatives within large corporations, or even family businesses. “My passion is helping people and organizations grow through innovation, and this program is designed to give students both the mindset and the toolkit to do exactly that,” he says.</p>

<p>Ihrig cites the “democratization of access to knowledge and tools, particularly through advances in technology, including artificial intelligence” as one of the greatest advantages for rising entrepreneurs today. Ideally, this democratization grants smaller startups abilities that were once only available to larger organizations. Conversely, “entrepreneurs will need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of political, economic, and global uncertainties,” he adds.</p> <p>“Agility and resilience will be just as critical as creativity and vision,” states Ihrig. He encourages prospective students to, “Invest in themselves. In a world of rapid technological change and shifting global dynamics, your knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset and skills will be your greatest differentiators. This program is not about learning to manage—it’s about learning to lead, innovate, and create lasting impact.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>