DCLead Track: POLINN
BSc (Hons): Computing (University of Portsmouth)
MA: English Literature (GC University Lahore)
MA: Media, Culture and Communication (New York University)
Worked as: Journalist & Teacher

I have chosen DCLead because:
I was a technological idiot. As new digital communication tools continue to numb our senses, I want to understand the invisible new ways in which we interface with our world, distance myself from these interfaces, and then hack them to enable new forms of journalistic, literary, rhetorical and critical practices.

Harris Bin MunawarPakistan

DC Lead track: TECMAN
BA: Computer Engineering
MA: Computer Systems and Networks Engineering
Worked as: Manager at Procter and Gamble

I have chosen the DC Lead because:
I am a young entrepreneur and my ambition is to expand my expertise in the fields of ICT, digital marketing and social media communication.
Nevertheless my previous experiences, I feel that I still need to deepen my knowledge in the vast area of digital communication management, key part of the services I want to provide through my company. For this reason, after searching for a challenging program able to give me a strong foundation in leadership and digital communication, I believe that the ‘‘Digital Communication Leadership’’ EMJMD program is a strong representative of the high level of learning that I am looking for.
Being part of the DC Lead Program is providing me with the perfect opportunity to become a specialist in Digital Communication Leadership to pursue my entrepreneurial ambition with a proper foundation for succeed.

Alessandro AmatiItaly

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Arts in Communication Science at University of Salzburg
Worked as: Student Assistant at University of Salzburg, Intern at Red Bull Media House

I have chosen DCLead because:
I have chosen DCLead because it allows me to focus on media politics and media economics. Further I am interested in digital Communication as a Tool for the Public in form of E-Service and Social Media but also as a enhancer of the new media and a possibility for E-Governance. The program addresses topics like digital Communication, Policy, Innovation, digital technology and management combined with the consideration for social responsibility and ethical-cultural dimensions. Further the program offers an international approach to this topics because of the diverse Partner Universities and Industry Partners. In my opinion this business and academic bonds will support me with my master thesis and will be beneficial for my further career. Last but not least my fellow students who come from different academic and business backgrounds and also from over 15 different cultures. Their knowledge and their stories help and inspire me every day in my academic work and thinking and also my personal life.

Markus NeudeckerGermany

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BA1:
 Economics and Business Administration, Tbilisi State University (Georgia)
BA2: International Business Programme, Østfold University College (Norway)
Worked as: Database Manager

I have chosen DCLead because:
It is a brand-new and challenging master program. Here I found a unique opportunity to combine economic-managerial, technological, media and communication skills. It teaches me the important aspects how to become a successful leader with the assistance of effective communication tools but without losing focus on social responsibility and ethical-cultural issues. The program involves at least two universities and two countries, where I can find different approaches and broaden my perspectives. This program gives me a chance to get advice and recommendations from the qualified professors with different backgrounds. At the same time, it offers internships at world-known organizations in order to work on the master thesis. Thus theory is implemented in practice. I think that the experience I will obtain during the period of studying in the consortium will be a valuable tool to open up new opportunities for my career. Besides, one of the most important reasons why DCLead stands out compared to similar programs, is its cultural diversity of incoming students! It feels like I have visited every country in the world by making a simple conversation with my fellow students. I get to know the trends, possibilities and obstacles in different countries from them. DCLead is a global program which can help students become real professionals and make new friends throughout the world.

Maia GiorgadzeGeorgia

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Bachelor of Social Science, University of Chittagong
MA: Master of Science, VHL University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.
Worked as: Journalist (New Age, The Asian Age); Research Assistant

I have chosen DCLead because:
I aim to explore the nature of digital communication in different settings to understand the impact of new media on economic growth and policy design. More specifically, I am interested in ‘digital divide’ or ‘digital inequality’ in order to ensure social change and development in both European and non-European context. For instance, the multiple aspects of digital inequality in terms of access, usage, skills, and self-perceptions, as well as future lines of research, the significance of digital inequalities in a broad range of individual-level and macro-level domains (gender, class, ; health care, politics, economic activity, and social capital and development interventions (policies, projects or actions).
I believe the DCLead program will help me to combine these dimensions between economy and social aspects, technology and culture, individual needs and society. In addition, the program will guide me to acquire deep and broad knowledge and skills for innovative ideas and discussions as well as a profound academic ground in the area of digital communication. DCLead Programme has a benchmark international network of academic expertise and practical insights to focus on new media, media management which will facilitate the potentiality of my knowledge and skills in the field of digital media and communication.
I believe, DCLead is a timely initiative that will help me understand the multidimensional aspects of media question to explore the interdisciplinary approach of communication and social development.

Abdul Aziz AzizBangladesh

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BA: Information Management and Information System, East China Normal University
Worked as: Digital Marketer, Business Analyst, Editor & Contributor @ seventhtraveler.strikingly.com

I have chosen DCLead because:
It dazzles me how the new media era changes everything, good or bad. I’ve always felt there’s a piece missing in my professional career. Having worked on several projects made me realize my needs to optimize communication. The program starts with the basis communication theories and methodologies and in my track B, Aalborg University’s problem-based-learning inspires me, simply cannot wait for my project coming alive off the paper.

Ruiqi ZhouChina

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BA: Informatics and Information Technologies, Tashkent University of Information Technology, Uzbekistan
Worked as: Digital Customer Engagement Specialist

I have chosen DCLead because:
Uzbekistan is a developing country where digital technologies are in initial phase of development. I want to make a research in digital communication technologies in the context of policy and digital communication in Europe, to understand the development of communication technologies in my country and forthcoming issues. Master’s degree seems to me a next logical step to gain credibility in international community and benefit from the academic discussion with practical knowledge and skills. The prospect of studying in DC Lead appealed to me as it perfectly matches with my ambition: it is ideal place to benefit from academic–scientific integrity and learn about ethical principles, to become an expert in the field of digital communication. Moreover, I am excited about Problem Based Learning method, international mobility scheme, students’ diversity, and the opportunity to develop multicultural skills. Personally I am keen on learning languages and planning to master German in order to enhance my career opportunities. In my opinion, the modules in DCLead are perfectly tailored to prepare professionals to approach issues in interdisciplinary manner.

Shahnoza BekbulaevaUzbekistan

DCLead Track: POLINN
B
A: Computer Science, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp)
Communication – Journalism, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
Worked as:
Production Assistant for Olympics, Journalist for Sports Magazine, IT and Communication Professional for Ericsson, Embraer, J&J and SENAC SP.

I have chosen DCLead because:
I chose DCLead Master Program because it allows me to work with my two backgrounds. In addition, the program is one-step ahead of others Master, when it integrates technology and communication concerning the current issues and challenges. A unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn with a top academic team with different backgrounds also make my eyes shine.

Mathias Felipe de Lima SantosBrazil

DCLead Track: TECMAN
BA: Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Worked as: Open Source Evangelist/Project Coordinator at 8layer Technologies Inc/ Business Consult CRV Embedded System and Design
Blog: Jeepney Stories

I have chosen DCLead because:

I strongly believe that Digital Communication Leadership (DCLead) Program, will help me in my future endeavors because it’s aligned to my undergraduate degree and work experiences. The program’s focus on the leadership and empowerment, economic and managerial, digital technologies, media and communication knowledge, social responsibility and ethical-cultural dimensions of digital communication is indeed a holistic approach for a life long learner like me. I strongly believe that this program will help me achieve my goal, to be an INNOVATION SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR in the future.  To harness the power of open innovation, open source and IOT infrastructures to reform the community. My core focus will be on advocacy, technology and policy, this is achievable through transformation of ideas into a thriving culture towards excellence and social impact and  collaboration of the community.

Michelle Anne TabiraoPhilippines

DCLead Track: POLINN
BA: Communication Research (cum laude), University of the Philippines-Diliman
MA: Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
Worked as: Researcher/Analyst, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Research Assistant, Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore; Communications Officer, Nalanda–Sriwijaya Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies)

I have chosen DCLead because:
The DCLead programme is unique compared to other existing programmes related to new media in that there is emphasis in the leadership aspect. Gaining the necessary intellectual and emotional depth for understanding the dynamics among digital technology, communications, policy and society, at a more advanced level, is an important factor that will help one become a skilful and responsible communications professional. I foresee that in finishing this programme, I will emerge as a digital communications expert who possesses the necessary tools for becoming an effective advocate, a facilitator of learning and a competent leader.

Joyce ZaidePhilippines