Originally from the Bay Area in California, Shanti Reddy had been working at Twitter for nearly six years when she decided to apply for and enroll in Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Part-Time Path program. She was finally ready to earn an advanced degree in marketing and communications and make the leap to a position with more leadership and growth opportunities. While her career move was “nerve-wracking”—she joined tech startup Codecademy as a Creative Producer in October—Shanti says Columbia’s Strategic Communication program has had an immediate positive impact on her career and she, too, has been able to share on-the-job insights in her classes.
After spending her first three semesters online due to COVID-19, Shanti enjoys meeting with her classmates on the steps of Low Library, her favorite spot on Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus. She spoke about her move from one of the most well-known social media platforms to a startup and how she is incorporating her Columbia classes in real-life situations at work.
Tell us about your role at Codecademy.
I started at Codecademy in October of 2021 as a Creative Producer. Codecademy is an e-learning startup committed to empowering all people, regardless of their coding journeys, to continue to learn, grow, pursue their passions, and create a lasting impact in the world around them. Essentially, code provides a new, interactive way of learning which makes the courses engaging, flexible, and accessible for everyone.
I am working alongside a team of creative and channel leads to develop and create content across social media, email, and other digital channels. We are also working together on some new exciting campaigns we plan to launch this year. Our goal is to iterate on our brand and share the impact that Codecademy has on people's aspirations.
Prior to this, I was a Creative Producer at Twitter for about six years. Leaving that position after a long period of time made the shift nerve-wracking, but I was ready for a role with more leadership and growth potential. I have always been keen on working for companies making an impact on the world and creating change. So when I saw the role at Codecademy, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to jump.
What inspired you to work in tech?
I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps but also forge my own path. My dad spent most of his life in tech. He was born and raised in India, came to the United States in the 80s to pursue an M.B.A., and then built his market research company from the ground up. I have taken great inspiration from learning about and watching the evolution of his career. He’s shown me that when you focus on what you’re passionate about, you have the chance at creating something with a lasting impact.
How did your classes at Columbia prepare you for your role?
I was at a point in my career at Twitter where I was looking to grow professionally and personally. This is when I started courses at Columbia and I believe the curriculum is very much complementary to my day-to-day role. I'm specifically able to bring what I learned from Digital Media and Analytics and Strategic Visual Communication into my meetings. So whether it's public relations or crisis communications, or dissecting the efficacy of marketing campaigns, this program and my role go hand in hand. I'm also able to take my lessons from my job and incorporate them into school.
Are there any Strategic Communication courses you hold dear and would recommend?
I especially love the Critical Conversations elective taught by one of my favorite professors, Matthew Danelo, Ph.D. I took this in the summer of last year and this course had such a significant impact on my life. It focused on the fact that we all have different stories and perspectives about the world because we take in different information and interpret it in our own ways. In culmination, the discussions in this class taught me valuable perspectives on life. The material allowed me to implement some vital practices into my career (and personal life), like mitigating conflict and leading with empathy and gratitude. This course inspired me to lead my life with authenticity and to assert my own path forward in my own way.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
There's something so serene and therapeutic about the Columbia steps by Low Library. This is where my classmates and I meet with coffee before our classes or chat through our thoughts on the readings. These steps inspire me to pursue greater human understanding, learn about global issues, lead with empathy, and become the best version of myself. These steps are a gentle reminder that education is the key to unlocking the world.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
It’s a privilege to be here, to learn from some of the most distinguished faculty, and to walk the halls of the oldest institution of higher education in New York. The students here come from such diverse walks of life, and it's so inspiring to learn with them and from them. This enriching program has a variety of course offerings from digital strategy, public relations, and data analysis where you can prioritize your areas of interest, what you want to get out of this program, and how you want to evolve in your career.
I would say use every class, every project, and every friend you make here as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to evolve. As you navigate your time here at Columbia and your graduate degree, you'll have some tough days, but trust your intuition, prioritize yourself, and stay grounded. It'll all be worth it in the end. And remember the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
