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Thinking Globally, Leading Strategically

Story by Dylan Peterson • Photo courtesy of Kate Perschke

Thinking globally, leading strategically

Kate Perschke has big plans for the future. After earning an undergraduate degree in communication and political science, she’s established herself as a successful communication professional in the tech industry. Now, Perschke is pursuing a at ºÚÁÏÍø to expand her skill set and position herself as a strategic leader in her field.

Enrolling at ºÚÁÏÍø

Perschke always knew she wanted to earn a graduate degree, and she was determined to find a program that aligned with her career goals while still giving her the flexibility to balance her coursework with her professional responsibilities.

“I wanted to find a program that blended strategic communications with a business perspective. I loved that this program is targeted towards working professionals and that I could really apply what I do at work in my schoolwork and bring back what I do in my schoolwork to work,” she said.

As a GSC student, Perschke has strengthened her leadership and strategic thinking skills while simultaneously broadening her expertise in areas such as public relations, advertising, marketing, and digital and social media. At the same time, the program’s global, interdisciplinary approach has deepened her understanding of communication trends and their real-world applications.

A community of ambitious peers

Like Perschke, the majority of her peers in the program are ambitious working professionals who were attracted to the program’s flexible structure, supportive environment, and emphasis on strategic leadership.

“I've met a lot of classmates who work in different industries and different communication roles. It's been a very collaborative experience to really learn from other students and hear what their career goals are. Everyone is super ambitious, and they all care about this program,” she says.

Perschke credits the program’s faculty, many of whom have deep connections in the strategic communication field, with helping her grow as both a communicator and a leader. “The faculty have been so supportive and wonderful,” she explains. “They encourage me to bring my work into the classroom and have pushed me outside my comfort zone to explore other areas of the communications world, like agency and marketing firms.”

"I loved that this program is targeted towards working professionals and that I could really apply what I do at work in my schoolwork and bring back what I do in my schoolwork to work." Kate Perschke, Global Strategic Communication student | Class of 2026

Hands-on learning

Whether taking advantage of ºÚÁÏÍø’s central location in the heart of Chicago or traveling abroad for hands-on learning, Perschke has embraced numerous opportunities to grow her skills and connect with professionals in the field. A highlight was attending a global conference in France focused on advertising and AI.

“The study abroad component really puts the global in the global strategic communication program. We talk about industry practices around the globe,” she says. “Being able to be in France at a conference really put that into action. I got to network with industry professionals and hear from big CMOs from places like Netflix.”

As she looks ahead, Perschke is confident that the skills she has gained at ºÚÁÏÍø will help her continue advancing professionally. “The program has already shaped my career. It’s helped shape my leadership and strategic thinking, which is in alignment with my goal of becoming a strategic communication leader in my industry,” she says. “Whether you’re interested in agency marketing or internal communication roles, the program will support you in reaching your goals.”

To learn more about ºÚÁÏÍø’s MS in Global Strategic Communication program, or contact our admissions team with questions.

Story by Dylan Peterson • Photo courtesy of Kate Perschke

Thinking globally, leading strategically

Enrolling at ºÚÁÏÍø

Perschke always knew she wanted to earn a graduate degree, and she was determined to find a program that aligned with her career goals while still giving her the flexibility to balance her coursework with her professional responsibilities.

“I wanted to find a program that blended strategic communications with a business perspective. I loved that this program is targeted towards working professionals and that I could really apply what I do at work in my schoolwork and bring back what I do in my schoolwork to work,” she said.

As a GSC student, Perschke has strengthened her leadership and strategic thinking skills while simultaneously broadening her expertise in areas such as public relations, advertising, marketing, and digital and social media. At the same time, the program’s global, interdisciplinary approach has deepened her understanding of communication trends and their real-world applications.

A community of ambitious peers

Like Perschke, the majority of her peers in the program are ambitious working professionals who were attracted to the program’s flexible structure, supportive environment, and emphasis on strategic leadership.

“I've met a lot of classmates who work in different industries and different communication roles. It's been a very collaborative experience to really learn from other students and hear what their career goals are. Everyone is super ambitious, and they all care about this program,” she says.

Perschke credits the program’s faculty, many of whom have deep connections in the strategic communication field, with helping her grow as both a communicator and a leader. “The faculty have been so supportive and wonderful,” she explains. “They encourage me to bring my work into the classroom and have pushed me outside my comfort zone to explore other areas of the communications world, like agency and marketing firms.”

Hands-on learning

Whether taking advantage of ºÚÁÏÍø’s central location in the heart of Chicago or traveling abroad for hands-on learning, Perschke has embraced numerous opportunities to grow her skills and connect with professionals in the field. A highlight was attending a global conference in France focused on advertising and AI.

“The study abroad component really puts the global in the global strategic communication program. We talk about industry practices around the globe,” she says. “Being able to be in France at a conference really put that into action. I got to network with industry professionals and hear from big CMOs from places like Netflix.”

As she looks ahead, Perschke is confident that the skills she has gained at ºÚÁÏÍø will help her continue advancing professionally. “The program has already shaped my career. It’s helped shape my leadership and strategic thinking, which is in alignment with my goal of becoming a strategic communication leader in my industry,” she says. “Whether you’re interested in agency marketing or internal communication roles, the program will support you in reaching your goals.”

To learn more about ºÚÁÏÍø’s MS in Global Strategic Communication program, or contact our admissions team with questions.