SJMC Bobcats rang in the new decade in the media capital of the world, New York City. Twice

February 24, 2020

jonzmikly

by Hannah Holder. While most students took a month-long break from classes after the 2019 winter semester, others dug in deeper by taking a course and gaining more professional experience. As part of Study in America, the SJMC offered two one-credit courses in advertising and public relations to New York City - the world's media capital. Senior lecturer Charles Kaufman led 15 students to New York City for a week to tour six public relation firms, including Weber Shandwick, Edelman and Burson Cohn & Wolfe. Students also toured the United Nations Headquarters and sat in on a media briefing with the spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary General, Stephane Dujarric. One SJMC alumni networking event was also held for students to make connections and hear all about what the NYC life entails.“It was interesting in that we could basically have a Texas State presence in New York for a two-week span,” said Kaufman.A week after Kaufman’s arrival from the Big Apple, Dr. Clay Craig and Jennifer Scharlach took 17 students to NYC for a week to tour 11 advertising agencies and public relations firms including L’Oréal, Droga5 and Buzzfeed. Students also toured the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to understand how media shifted after the American tragedy.Craig has been to different cities throughout the years leading a Study-in-America trip, but he said NYC definitely stands out as an advertising hub.“What is fascinating about New York is it is this cultural melting pot, not only in terms of different types of food and activities, but the agencies are a lot more diverse.” He continued, “You see this wide variety of perspectives, and you see that in all of the work they do.”Kaufman agreed that no other city is quite like the Big Apple. “You can go to Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, but no media city beats New York City.”Interested in seeing a recap of the trip from some of the student’s perspectives? Check out Brittany Thomas’s blog and Jaelyn Ashford’s vlog.