AD+PR Instructor, William “Mitch” Crank’s, Career Experiences are Shaping Students’ Future
By: Mya Smith
AD+PR instructor, William “Mitch” Crank, is intentionally creating a unique environment of knowledge, networking and opportunities to enhance the performance of students. His students are given an advantage when they graduate and start their careers. His professional experience is shaping their perspective while embedding practical skills that will create a favorable future.
Crank is not only an instructor within the department, but he is also a professional with decades of market research and consulting experience. He received his bachelor’s and master’s from MSU in merchandising management. His teaching experience extends back to his undergraduate time at the university, where Crank has made it his mission to ensure he is sharing information that students really need to know.
Interacting with various clients (including MSU, The Animal Plant and Kellogg’s), Crank says he tries to mimic what students will see in the professional world. Bringing real companies with real problems students in his advanced-level class, ADV 486, have the chance to showcase what they have learned. Tapping into his experience in market research and consumer behavior, Crank’s ADV 342 class has allowed students to think practically and use his class as practice for scenarios they might encounter in their careers. Being well-versed in the advertising and marketing industry, he shares his professional projects he was a part of to expand insights and creativity among students.
“When I try to share things, it’s because you really need to know that,” said Crank. “The many things you are learning are real.”
The structure of his classroom revolves deliberately around teamwork. He encourages students to assess their individual capabilities through an icebreaker activity that aims to enhance performance in group projects. This collaborative environment has allowed students to establish relationships that Crank says could serve them even post-grad.
“You never know who you will need 10 years from now” Crank said. “You can make a connection in the class with other students or me that will be beneficial to you.”
Crank eagerly volunteers himself as a resource to foster the new wave of professionals. His past experience is shaping their futures.