Marketing Lecturer Seeks to Inspire Confidence in his Students
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For the past three years, Sean McHenry has taught marketing strategy to students at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. He also teaches in the Master of Science in Global Business Development specialty program, where he was chosen as the cohort’s “Outstanding Faculty Member” for 2024.
McHenry recently shared his views on what he wants his students to learn in his classes and what inspired him to teach after working in the corporate world for most of his career.
Q: What inspired your passion for teaching?
A: There was less of an “a-ha” moment and more of a progressive self-reflection. When I took time to evaluate the “bliss” in each of my corporate careers, the common thread was the joy of helping others develop in their careers. I have always wanted to make a positive difference and I realized that higher education aligned with making a difference on the broadest scale. I can honestly say that I am my most authentic self in this role.
Q: How do you help prepare students for their post-graduation careers?
A: Currently, my students are involved in a case study where they are in the position of a marketing officer managing multiple product lines in a competitive category. Students must perform analytical work and provide recommendations that align with the stated business and course learning objectives.
There is value in studying high-profile case studies, in addition to understanding how concepts translate in smaller organizations. We are at a time right now where future leaders need to learn how to be flexible while facing uncertainty and creatively solve problems. I believe our role as faculty members is to share how to use the tools and skills to do this within the supportive environment of the classroom before they are applied in the real world.
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Q: What part of teaching do you enjoy most?
A: I am grateful to be able to witness students move from insecurity to confidence — not just in the course material, but in themselves. When learners share moments of personal growth, overcome self-doubt and surprise themselves with their achievements, those moments are gold for me.
Q: What do you hope is the most important takeaway for students in your classroom?
A: I want all learners to feel courageous, empowered, and practice self-reflection. I also want them to learn how the concepts apply to business and themselves.
