Weber Shandwick and New York University’s Steinhardt School Launch Masters in Residence Program 

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– First-of-its-kind Partnership to Increase Technology-Engaged, Diverse Professionals in Media and Communications, Bridge Academic-Professional Gap –

Weber Shandwick and New York University’s Steinhardt School Launch Masters in Residence Program

Weber Shandwick today announced the launch of NYU at Weber Shandwick: Masters in Residence, a first-of-its-kind program for master’s students created in partnership with NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Media, Culture, and Communication. The program is focused on increasing the number of technology-engaged, globally-savvy, diverse, future professionals in the media and communications industry. Through immersive learning and mentorship in Weber Shandwick’s NY HQ and a selected global market, it aims to bridge the gap between theory and application. Combining academic rigor and professional application, it provides students with pathways to not only succeed in a dynamically changing media landscape, but to redefine media and communications for the 21st century.

The program commenced in fall 2017 as a pilot year beginning with four scholars: Marcha Johnson, Gabriella Lee, Lauren Hom, and Aisha Becker-Burrowes. The Masters in Residence participate in a rigorous hands-on cycle of long-term learning, mentoring and coaching, working across Weber Shandwick’s content, client, integrated media and insights teams to learn from and advance the firm’s expertise in media change and engage with clients across sectors and specialties.

The world of communications is transforming and accelerating. Forging a new kind of partnership with a leader in media change like NYU Steinhardt will ensure we’re able to build stronger and better-informed teams, deliver impactful work for our clients, and create a strong pipeline of leading and diverse talent into our firm and our industry.

Gail Heimann

President of Weber Shandwick

“At NYU Steinhardt, we encourage our students to think globally and locally. Our Masters in Residence program is custom designed to empower diverse students in media and communications to be catalytic to the professional world around them. The program bridges together the worlds of study and real-world practice – an important integration for the future of higher education and the media industry,” added Dominic Brewer, Ira and Gale Drukier Dean of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at NYU.

The residency program requires a two-year commitment from each participant, with spring-fall semesters conducted in Weber Shandwick’s New York headquarters, full time enrollment at NYU, and a summer work experience after the first year in one of Weber Shandwick’s global offices. Masters in Residence scholars go beyond a traditional curriculum to engage, create, apply and evolve in an unparalleled hands-on professional experience. Following the 2017-2018 pilot program, NYU at Weber Shandwick: Masters in Residence will welcome two additional cohorts, each on a two-year cycle.