Postgraduate Degree: Masters in PR and Advertising
Current Position: Co-Founder - Soraya
My undergraduate degree was in Marketing. I then came to Australia to pursue my first Master’s degree in International Business in a different state, and I was keen on exploring a more specialised theme such as advertising – when looking at my options, I came across the Master in Advertising and Public Relations offered by UNSW. The course structure offered encouraged me to apply for the course.
Before I joined the course, I always thought that I had wanted to find a job in Australia and settle there, but this course unleashed the creativity inside me, pushing me to see things differently and to think about starting a business of my own.
As soon as my course finished, I went back to India to start a jewellery business called SORAYA.
Simply put, UNSW helped me discover my creative side, which is the sole reason why I have my own business today. I became an entrepreneur without even thinking of it... and then the ideas sparked.
I honed my communication skills. The way I see it, Advertising is explaining what your product is through various channels using different messages. At all times, applying a bulletproof method: Delivering what you want to say in minimum words with maximum impact.
The variety of nationalities and cultures within UNSW made me aware of the issues different people face, what their culture entails and how they react to it. In my opinion, this makes you more aware of the current global scenario and teaches you to empathise with one another.
I believe that the exposure to many cultures, religions, practices and people make you more flexible and adaptable in any work environment – this has helped me in setting up and running my business.
I would say “Don’t think twice and go for it” - UNSW has been a major turning point in my life and has changed it for the better. It is an amazing experience as the learning is more practice-based rather than theoretical (quite different to what we do here in India).
It was a great experience, I had people coming from many places around the world in my classes, and I got to learn a lot from people, which has broadened my perspective in life.
I love what I do because I get to create from scratch.
From designing to manufacturing, seeing your idea ending up as an actual product is the best feeling.
I owe this to UNSW, as this is where I discovered my creative side among other talents!
I found my passion.