Journalism

My journey into journalism was not paved through academic learning, but rather through hands-on experience. It all began with my first internship at ITP Media Group, where I embarked on a thrilling and enlightening year-long adventure. Not only did this experience provide me with valuable insights into the media industry, but it also played a significant role in my personal growth.

Following my time at ITP, I was honored with the opportunity to lead my university's digital publication, Red Beat as the Lifestyle Section Editor. This role allowed me to delve deeply into various topics that captivated my interest, including fashion, F&B, hospitality, travel, culture, beauty, and design. Through this position, I gained a wealth of knowledge and honed my skills in crafting compelling content within these diverse realms.

Furthermore, as part of my university's creative project, I undertook the exciting task of developing a digital magazine, The Karak, centered around small food businesses in the UAE that have a strong presence on social media.

ITP Media Group

3 publications, 320+ by-lines, youngest freelancer at the firm for one year

Middle East Beauty

Joining ITP Media Group, an organization encompassing more than 20 diverse publications, including Middle East Beauty, marked a significant milestone in my career. When I initially joined the beauty-based magazine, I possessed little to no knowledge of editorial writing and utilizing SEO software for article publication. However, I was extremely fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of Claudia de Brito, a formidable writer whom I deeply admire.

As I continued to learn and progress, I was given the incredible opportunity to contribute my own written pieces to the magazine. Seeing my name in print within such an esteemed publication felt surreal and filled me with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was as if I had reached cloud nine, experiencing the fulfillment of my aspirations.

Hotelier Middle East

www.hoteliermiddleeast.com

Transitioning to Hotelier Middle East was a turning point in my journey at the publishing house. It was a remarkable milestone where I expanded my network, forged lifelong friendships, and took on the challenge of writing 10 articles a week to an average of 13 per day.

During this period, I faced the exhilarating task of balancing university coursework with the demanding internship workload. It was a whirlwind experience that pushed me to my limits, but also provided a sense of adventure and excitement. Within just four months, I seized the opportunity to work as a freelancer, enhancing my versatility as a writer and broadening my horizons. Additionally, this role gave me the privilege of engaging with professionals in the hotel industry and even writing for one of my esteemed professors.

On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of attending extravagant brunches, adding a touch of luxury to my internship experience. Despite the challenges and fast-paced nature of the role, I can confidently say that every moment was worthwhile, contributing significantly to my personal and professional growth.

READ ARTICLES HERE

Digital Studio Middle East

www.digitalstudiome.com

During my time at ITP Media, I embraced stepping out of my comfort zone, particularly when I joined Digital Studio Middle East. As a platform focused on film and TV production and broadcast news, it was a new industry for me. However, with guidance from the sole editor-in-chief, Nikhil Pereira, I quickly adapted and found my footing in writing for this domain.

In addition to my writing responsibilities, I had the opportunity to create an Instagram account for the brand. This decision was well-received and appreciated, as it allowed us to further connect with our audience and enhance our online presence.

Over the course of two months, I was able to develop a friendly bond with my colleagues, which added to the overall positive experience of my one-year journey at ITP Media.

READ ARTICLES HERE

Networking

During my time at ITP Media, I had the privilege of forming valuable connections, including Priyanka Praveen, who worked with me on digital content pieces for Hotelier, as well as Simon Ritchie, who was then the editor-in-chief for Caterer Middle East, which is the sister publication of Hotelier ME. Attending and covering the Caterer Middle East Awards function was a particularly memorable adventure for me.

Building connections in the industry was essential, and I made a point to reach out and maintain regular contact with PR consultants and professionals. Connecting with them on LinkedIn has proven to be beneficial for networking and staying updated on industry trends.

Among my cherished moments, one stands out as truly honorable. I had the opportunity to meet and engage in a delightful cooking session with Tim Cordon, the CEO of Middle East & Africa of the Radisson Hotel Group. It was an incredible experience to learn from someone with such expertise.

Another noteworthy experience was being featured as an audience member in the inaugural Arabian Business' Crossfire sessions hosted by Shruthi Nair. Being a part of these sessions provided unique insights and added to my overall learning journey.

Red Beat Magazine MDX

Lifestyle Section Editor

After honing my writing skills through contributions to publications like Middle East Beauty, Hotelier, Digital Studio, and my personal blog, I felt inspired to take on a new challenge: applying for the role of section editor at my university's publication. Recognizing my passion for topics such as food, beauty, and design, I knew that the Lifestyle section would be the perfect fit for me.

In this role, I had the opportunity to showcase my expertise and creativity through various write-ups. Here are a few examples of the articles I produced:

The Forgotten

Trends of 2020

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Creative Project

The Karak

flavourful spiced piping hot tea with a caramel colour, enjoyed in the Middle East region-

In my university project, I created The Karak, a digital magazine for small food businesses in the UAE using social media. Three key findings emerged:

1) Adapting to new video platforms like TikTok is crucial for engagement and brand exposure

2) Implementing influencer marketing can greatly benefit small food businesses

3) Staying relevant through emerging trends and strategic branding elements is essential for survival in the competitive social media landscape.

Through extensive research, my aim was to provide practical guidance and actionable insights to empower small food businesses in navigating the dynamic world of social media. The goal was to equip them with the knowledge and tools to thrive and establish a lasting presence in the digital space.

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