An innovative educational partnership between Centenary University and the New York Jets announced in October is already providing unique academic opportunities for the University’s students. Last week, a group of Centenary students enrolled in a social media marketing course, including multiple Warren County residents, visited the NFL team’s corporate headquarters in Florham Park to present their recommendations on the team’s social media strategy.

Earlier this semester, students in Associate Professor of Business Kathy Naasz’s social media marketing class met via Skype with members of the Jets marketing team to discuss the organization’s current strategy. As their capstone project, the students analyzed the data and developed recommendations, which they presented to Jets management in the franchise’s boardroom.

“To have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned to a real-world client like the New York Jets is very exciting,” Naasz said. “It was great for them to present on-site in the Jets boardroom, overlooking the practice field.”

Centenary senior Jack Reinhart, of Stewartsville, a communication major, noted that the in-depth analysis his class provided to the Jets is effective preparation for a career as a multimedia journalist. “This is a great opportunity to meet with professionals in the social media marketing field,” Reinhart explained. “I’m also a very big sports fan, so presenting to an NFL franchise is a big deal.”

Performance study major Nick Bettens, of Stanhope (Sussex County), who is also a senior, said he plans to work in social media marketing in the theater industry. “It was an incredible experience to work with the Jets throughout the semester,” Bettens said. “This may be for a class, but they are a real company, and it’s awesome that we presented our social media audit in the Jets boardroom.”

“I’m going into this field to work with non-profits and help communicate their causes,” added Centenary senior Baron Markowitz, of Hackettstown, a business management major with a minor in social media marketing. “Presenting to the Jets was a great trial before I’m out on my own representing a big business, with a job on the line.”

As an Official Educational Partner of the New York Jets, Centenary offers academic programs that stretch the boundaries of traditional learning to allow students to gain insights into the business of professional sports through the lens of a world-class organization. The University will continue to incorporate Jets-themed projects into courses this spring, providing additional opportunities for Centenary students to work directly with Jets staff. Internship opportunities with the Jets will also offer Centenary students hands-on experience in the fast-paced sports industry.