What inspired you to work for University of New York in Prague?
My role at the University of New York in Prague (or UNYP) sits at the intersection of marketing and education, representing the "Holy Grail" when it comes to my interests, passions, and experience. I find the science of marketing today to be constantly evolving and there is no better or more noble application of it than to education.
Describe your typical day at work.
There is no typical day at work at UNYP. Every day is uniquely different, which is something that makes this UNYP such a rewarding place to work. For instance, today, I played a supporting role filming our school deans for use on our digital properties, I was invited and attended a class with summer school students (where I was grilled on a variety of topics), and had a planning meeting with our digital marketing partner (in addition to emails, phone calls, meetings by the water cooler, etc.).
Spending some light-hearted moments with some of our students during an action learning exercise.
Why do you do what you do?
Marketing because I enjoy the psychology that sits behind the discipline (trying to understand human behavior and/or why people do what they do). And education because there is no more important pursuit than promoting self-improvement through education (education as the foundation of a healthy and functioning society).
What is your favorite part of your job?
People, people, and people. The functional part of the job is relatively straightforward and predictable. The wonderful unpredictability of people makes even dull jobs very rewarding. Fortunately, I enjoy and appreciate my colleagues at UNYP making getting out of bed in the morning easy... even enjoyable.
How do you use your education and international background as the Director of Marketing?
I have a bachelor’s in Humanities and a master's in Business Administration. Both are quite useful in helping me to understand how to work effectively within our international team (from an interpersonal and professional point of view). Our staff comes from probably 12-15 different countries, so empathy and understanding come in handy!
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
As student needs and interests evolve, we constantly work to keep our programs and curricula relevant and "future-facing." A recent example is AI and how to integrate this into our curricula best. If you find yourself in a class at UNYP, there are instances where using AI is not only allowed but expected. You will also be expected to share your prompts!
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Leave your "baggage" or preconceptions about people and other cultures behind. Culture is not something that you read about but something you need to experience directly by interacting with people from a given culture. Everything you heard about Culture or Country X is wrong. Adopt a growth mentality when traveling.
Leading a learning session with some of our students via a virtual classroom.
What makes UNYP special?
At UNYP, our students come first and our ambition is to become (or remain?) the most student-centric academic institution not only in Prague but in the region. What does this mean? It means that we put our students at the center of both the academic experience at UNYP and their student life. We have designed an experience that caters to our students’ diverse needs, with the objective of getting them ready for the next stage in their lives.
Why should students choose UNYP?
American and Czech Degrees:
UNYP provides the opportunity to earn both American and Czech degrees. This dual-degree option is particularly appealing, as students can obtain an American bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Empire State University, alongside a European bachelor's degree awarded by UNYP itself.
Diverse Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, Psychology, International Relations, Communication & Media, and Digital Media Arts. Students can also choose from various concentrations within these fields, allowing for a tailored educational experience.
Small Class Sizes:
With class sizes typically ranging from 15 to 30 students, UNYP emphasizes personalized attention and interaction between faculty and students. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment where instructors can engage closely with each student.
Cultural Diversity:
UNYP boasts a vibrant international community, with over 800 students from more than 60 countries. This multicultural environment enriches the educational experience, preparing students for a globalized workforce.
What hopes do you have for the future of UNYP?
Rather than our hopes, our vision for University of New York in Prague is to become the top educational choice for students in Prague by 2027 by being “student-inspired”, offering a high-quality, practical, and personalized learning experience. This will require UNYP to be sensitive to shifts in the market, and be able to react quickly to them.
Clark Steele at the Camp Nou.
What makes UNYP easy to market to potential participants?
Our personal approach differentiates us from larger state-subsidized institutions where class sizes can run into the hundreds, where you aren't guaranteed to get your first choice of classes (due to limited supply and high demand), and where you may not get to know most of your classmates very well, forming lifelong bonds in many cases.
What is UNYP’s mission and how do you continue to work towards it?
We train our students to succeed in an increasingly complex digital world.* How? By designing the most student-focused experience amongst universities in the Czech Republic and in the region, both academically and in terms of student life. It's important to mention that student-centricity is not mistaken for pampering. In fact, being student-centric often involves tough love because this approach helps ensure that students are ready to take on the next stage in their lives.
What do you hope participants take away from UNYP’s programs?
Regardless of what program a participant decides to take, we want the UNYP experience to be transformational and for their university experience to serve as an important building block for their future. For this to happen, students need to be better off after their UNYP experience in terms of their job prospects, personal growth, network quality, how they see the world and, of course, what they have learned (retained learning).
If you could participate in one of UNYP’s programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would recommend attending Dean David Anthony Prochazka's Critical Thinking course. Critical Thinking is an essential skill that can be learned and cultivated. It is especially important given our increasingly online lives and the risk posed by disinformation. A foundation in critical thinking confers many advantages, such enhanced decision-making, the ability to critically evaluate information, self-reflection, creativity, and problem-solving. It's universal applicability and a safeguard against the erosion of freedoms that we take for granted in democratic societies.
Interacting with a group of study abroad students on campus.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Many of the questions that students ask us are predictable (the same questions that I would ask if I were in their shoes) and have to do with processes, logistics, costs, etc. These are all good questions. The most important question is what makes us different. The answer to this is our duty of care to our students (each and every one). You will notice this when it comes to classroom sizes, the extra attention that students receive from staff and the support team, student involvement in determining the shape and direction of the institution, etc.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Studying abroad is a transformative experience that offers invaluable lessons beyond academics. It immerses you in diverse cultures, enhancing your global perspective and adaptability. You'll develop essential skills like problem-solving and communication while building a network of international contacts. Embracing challenges in a new environment fosters personal growth, resilience, and independence, preparing you for a successful future in an increasingly interconnected world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel refers to experiences that foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and community engagement. It encourages travelers to immerse themselves in local cultures, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute positively to the places they visit. This approach goes beyond typical tourism by promoting connections with locals, participating in community activities, and reflecting on one's own values and experiences. For students considering studying abroad, meaningful travel can enhance their educational journey and personal development.
