DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Communication Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel

I have chosen DCLead because:
I am interested in both communication and the digital world. This programme combines the two and provides more in-dept knowledge about these.
Furthermore, it brings people from all over the world together, which gives you a broader insight in other cultures.

Janneke AerssensThe Netherlands

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Social Communication – Journalism, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)
Worked as: Journalist and TV Producer

I have chosen DCLead because:
As DCLead Programme focuses on areas such as technologies and their
developments; policy and innovation; business and management; digital communication and culture; and ethics and social responsibility; I truly believe this is the perfect environment to develop a research with the purpose of establishing new approaches and
models on what it takes to create powerful digital communications. The multicultural aspects of DCLead are also very important. With colleagues from more than ten different countries, the programme offers the perfect opportunity to create and develop bonds with people from all over the planet, helping to reduce inequality gaps and creating a more integrated world.

Gabriel Rosa da Mata RibeiroBrazil

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA (HONS): Mass Communication and Journalism, Beaconhouse National University – Pakistan
MA: Masters in Business Administration, University of Wales – United Kingdom
Worked as: Head of New Media & Digital, Communications Specialist and Writer

I have chosen DCLead because:
I’m captivated by the initiatives taken by this program in terms of its diversity, interdisciplinary research trajectory and how it aims to play a central role in bringing people together. My interests related to new media, communications, governance, public administration, gender policies, and sociology align with several core themes that encompasses the DCLead ethos. This program is the natural step for my personal calling and I strongly believe that it will facilitate me with better understanding of digital strategies needed to turn policy choices into impact. I chose DCLead because it provides me with the ideal platform to achieve the required tutelage that I need to drive change in my society through digital mediums. Being surrounded by experienced faculty and peers who share the same intellectual interests as me makes for a rewarding learning environment. This academic journey critically analyzes how present-day cultures are molded by social media, digital activism, online mobilization, data, algorithms, platforms, etc. I am hoping to delve into the intricacies of what it truly means to live in an ever-evolving age of new media. At the end of the day, I want to be in a position where I learn to unabashedly question the status quo, develop well-informed opinions and seek new perspectives. If you’re passionate about changing the narrative, this is the place for you.

Fatima AliPakistan

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Science in Communication, Florida International University, Miami,USA
Worked as: Journalist, TV Reporter, Copy Editor for broadcast and editorial companies in the United States and South America

I have chosen DCLead because:
The curriculum offered by DCLead will provide me with an outstanding and unique professional network from all around the world. Its interdisciplinary and intercultural classes will prepare me to maintain ethical awareness at all times within the communications field. In terms of education and the possibility of academic research, no one has better qualifications than The Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg and The Vrije Universiteit Brussel faculty. After covering topics that range from political, economic and social issues, to religion and technology in the journalism environment, my purpose in life is to outlook any social component—sometimes rooted in stereotypes—and to overcome any mental barriers connected to the fear of the unknown by asking and listening. l plan on becoming a news correspondent as well as marketing management expert for a multilingual international media/ digital outlet and international organizations.

Consuelo Eufemia Naranjo LaraEcuador

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BSc: Business Information Systems, ‘Al. I. Cuza’ University in Iasi, Romania
Worked as: Workforce Management Traffic Analyst; Software Developer

I have chosen DCLead because:
Although I have a technical academic background, I am also interested in different social science topics and my main goal is to become a social entrepreneur. Having this in mind, I think DCLead is a programme through which I will better understand certain topics and in the same time gain access to a wide network of professionals and different mindsets, all of which is almost mandatory if I plan to succeed as an entrepreneur in a digitized future.

Andrei Ionut OlarasuRomania

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BSc: Information systems
MSc: Information systems
Worked as: Project manager

I have chosen DCLead because:
The study in different European countries is an excellent opportunity for such a short time to acquire foreign experience, to expand background and improve my managerial skills, as well as to get acquainted with interesting people from all over the world. Moreover, the study will allow me to learn from professors with vast experience in this field, which I can use to further build my career in my homeland. In my future plans, I will become the Project Manager, who will be able to carry out various kinds of projects regardless of scale and difficulty, as well as share my experience with young specialists who have chosen the same path as I did. In particular, I want to inspire and support women who have chosen technical studies.

Aigerim BaigunussovaKazakhstan

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BSc: Business Information Systems, Westminster International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Worked as: Bidding Engineer at IT TSD team, Uzbekistan BSSC, Huawei technologies

I have chosen DCLead because:
During the process of developing and deploying information systems, I have observed the fact that mastering solely technical knowledge on ICT is not enough for a successful accomplishment of business goals. DCLead paves the way for acquiring excellent communication and presentation skills and keen insight on impacts of digitalization on businesses and public institutions. Therefore, I reckon DC Lead as the perfect match for gaining the insight of social and ethical aspects of deploying ICT systems. Opportunity to conduct a research on emerging technological trends such as IoT, AI, machine learning and Blockchain under the supervision of top quality academics from all over the world is another unique aspect of this programme.

Abduvoris AbduvakhobovUzbekistan

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Social Communication – Journalism
Worked as: Digital Content Producer, Copywriter

I have chosen DCLead because:
I have always been interested in the digital aspect of communication, both in a practical and theoretical level. DCLead is a great opportunity to explore this diverse field in a master’s level at the same time that it allows me to live a life changing experience in two different countries.

Yasmim Silva PessoaBrazil

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BSc: Software Engineering – FPT University Vietnam
Worked as: Product Manager for Rakuten Inc, Japan

I have chosen DCLead because:
I am fascinated with the fact that the whole world operates differently because of the internet. More opportunities are opened which also means more challenges for humankind.  Have been urging for shifting my career from technical to business and social aspects for the last couple of years, “I need appropriate approaches and methodologies to get involved.” I find what the program offers is very unique, for its aims and technique, as well as culture – wide environment and network. I am optimistic about seeing myself, together with other DC Leaders in communication area, we are changing the world better.

Thi Thuy Ngan DangVietnam

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BA: Information Technologies Management – Yerevan, Armenia
Worked as: Project Manager in Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation

I have chosen DCLead because:
A Master’s degree in DC LEAD will help me develop a cross-functional approach towards understanding the nuances of management and digital technologies. What particularly attracts me to this program is its innovative approach. Apart from the depth one gathers in certain academic fields, he acquires practical and hands-on experience with the ability to think strategically and solve problems, building strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication and presentation skills and a global perspective on business processes. By the time a student graduates, he is rich with comprehensive and an in-depth knowledge across all functional areas. Besides, DC LEAD places the students in the same kind of team environment that exists in most of the top business organizations today. Student become adept at collaboration and team problem solving, and they challenge each other to think from different perspectives. Overall, I believe that DC LEAD’s curriculum molds the student into a complete professional, fully equipped to face the challenges of emerging business environments.

Tigran GevorgyanArmenia