UAE: In a groundbreaking move for the UAE and the wider region, the Department of Media Communication at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), in collaboration with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and National Network Communications (NNC), has unveiled plans for a student-run agency based within AUS. This pioneering initiative aims to offer university students invaluable hands-on experience in advertising, public relations, marketing, and communications, setting a new standard for talent development in the industry.
Driven by a shared vision to empower local entrepreneurial talent and nurture the next generation of communication leaders, this collaboration brings together esteemed institutions and organizations. Sheraa, renowned for its support of startups throughout their journey, brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse ecosystem to the project. NNC, a leading smart-communications agency headquartered in Sharjah, will lend its specialized capabilities in the digital communications sphere to provide operational support, training, and mentorship to the student-run agency.
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Dr. Sohail Dahdal, Head of the Department of Media Communication at AUS, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Establishing a student-run agency will provide our students with unparalleled industry exposure. This hands-on experience, coupled with the guidance of Sheraa and NNC, will not only equip our students with essential skills but also foster an entrepreneurial spirit within them. We are proud to lead the field in digital media education, and this initiative underscores our commitment to providing students with a competitive edge."
- Empowering students for success:
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and systems, the student-run agency will offer a wide range of services, including social media management, content creation, market research, and public relations. Selected students will assume various roles, from editorial and media relations to creative and analytics, working collaboratively to deliver impactful campaigns for a diverse clientele.
Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the significance of empowering local talent, stating, "Through the region's first student-run agency, we are bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering Sharjah's creative talent to excel. We aim to inspire youth to pursue creative fields, driving progress and prosperity. By providing a platform for creativity and innovation, we are preparing today's youth for success in the workforce."
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- Harnessing the power of communication:
Yousef Al Taweel, Founder and CEO of NNC, underscored the transformative potential of communication, stating, "Our partnership with AUS and Sheraa will establish the first communications agency of its kind in the Arab world, empowering youth with essential skills for shaping the future. Communication is a transformative force that drives progress and fosters change. Through our agency, we aim to cultivate world-class communication practices that amplify voices and drive positive impact."
With the collective expertise of AUS, Sheraa, and NNC, the student-run agency is poised to revolutionize communications education, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. This collaborative venture promises to redefine the future of communications in the UAE and beyond, offering students unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.