Converting learning into a passion

Eight students from different nationalities speak of their chosen career paths and how they have adapted to an enjoyable learning environment

Dana Akkad - Syrian
I chose PR, Advertising and Branding as my major because I feel it has a significant impact on the media. PR is basically about maintaining the reputation and advertising or promoting a certain brand, whether it is a person or a company or an organisation. I like the part where you get to manage disasters that happen in the media; for example, when a company goes through some unfortunate incident, a PR officer would know how to deal and take care of it and get the company out of the problem with the least cost.
What I like about this major is that it helps you build skills that you need in your life, and that is your career. I also love the aspect of branding because basically, it is literally what you do every day - the importance of building a specific image and how that image will impact you in the business. 
Hadi Abdul Latheef - Indian
Journalism was something that had interested me since the age of 14 as one of my uncle was a journalist. And seeing the opportunities and the fun he was having on the field, inspired me to take it up and get better with the help of my university lecturers and my fellow mates.
Journalism is an ever-growing field, and with the modern news outlet turning digital, the new generation has adapted to such circumstances. I aspire to be a digital sports journalist working for a top broadcasting firm. I am assured with the pace I am working and opportunities presented to me, I will be able to accomplish my dreams in the coming years. 
Elena Andra Stoica - Romanian
Journalism and media have a significant impact across the entire globe. News affects and surrounds every single person. I chose to go into this field as I firmly believe that words, whether they are in print or digital, can change an individual's perspective and in turn propels change to take place.
Creating awareness and reporting the truth contributes to a higher purpose, which is what I aim to do. With evolving technology, a journalists' role has expanded, and their required skill set has increased. I want to be part of the group that makes a difference within the digital sphere. 
Mohammed Arshad Ameer - Sri Lankan
I felt Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) would be a great course since it provides me with multiple options and later it would also help me choose the right career. This course would assist me in broadening my perspective about the career options available, help me gain more practical experience and grow to become a better person in life.
Muhammad Kashif - Indian/Pakistani
Law intrigued me in ways nothing else did since I was 13; the complications of it and the fact that it's not everyone's cup of tea. I fell in love with it, and I have always been a person who loves challenges and take on tides no one else dares to level with. Even though it's not easy, I am glad my parents allowed me to do something I love (my mom wanted me to be a chef).
Another reason for taking up this field is the injustices against women, children and minorities that we witness. It's not easy, but then I realise how much I love what I am doing, sip my coffee and start working again. I think everyone must do something they love and not just because their parents told them to do it; we are going to spend the rest of our lives in the same field. So why did I choose law? I simply love being in the field. 
Anne Libranda - Filipino
I chose BA Accounting and Finance for a couple of reasons, but mainly as I didn't know what to pick after high school. After I finished grade 10, I had little-to-no knowledge about the different courses available. I heard about accounting and how it was difficult to grasp without prior knowledge, involved a lot of numbers, and that the pay was good if you got into the right place.
I am the type of person who loves taking on challenges, enjoy solving math problems, and like everybody else, I tend to appreciate a lil' extra money in my currently empty wallet. It was a perfect match, so I took my chances and went for it!
Ahmed Badat - South African 
Honestly, I've chosen media and advertising for reasons others may not relate to. Unlike those who say they've always had a passion or dream for it, i just knew what I did not want to do, which was anything with numbers, medical, engineering or law.
So, when I saw what other options were left and once I read what PR and advertising entail, it intrigued me. And only after I started the course and dealt with the work have I fallen in love with it. 
Yara Hamdan - Jordanian/Palestinian 
The reason I went into media, adverting and PR is because I found that it would give me an opportunity to have my personality shine through my work. I'm such an extrovert, and I see that it is what PR needs. As for advertising, being able to express my creativity through different aspects and working alongside others who share a similar passion allows me to expand my outlook on art/creativity.
Media can go into so many different routes; politics, consumerism and even entertainment. I personally would like to go into the beauty industry. Overall, I think this course is such a great mix that would guarantee you many options in the future.

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