American University of Sharjah (AUS) has announced the launch of a student-run agency.
According to the university, the student agency is a first for the UAE and the broader region.
The agency was developed by the Department of Media Communication at American University of Sharjah (AUS), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and National Network Communications (NNC) to bolster talent within the communications and media industries.
The agency will run from within AUS, providing university students with real-world experience in the fields of advertising, public relations, marketing, and communications.
“We believe that establishing a student-run agency will give our students an unparalleled opportunity to be connected to the industry,” said, Dr. Sohail Dahdal, Head of the Department of Media Communication at AUS.
“Working on real client projects and running their own agency not only ensures that they gain invaluable experience but will also instil the spirit of entrepreneurship in them.”
Supporting talent
Collaborators Sheraa and NNC will support the students with their knowledge and expertise. Sheraa will bring its wealth of expertise and a diverse ecosystem of startups and stakeholders to the table.
Communications agency, NNC will leverage its capabilities across the digital communications sphere to provide operational support, training, and mentorship to the student-run agency.
“Having Sheraa and NNC onboard is the perfect partnership to ensure that students have the proper training and support they need,” added Dahdal.
The student-run agency will be equipped with the latest technology and systems, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including social media management, content creation, market research, public relations, and more.
Through a stringent selection process, chosen students will assume roles in editorial, media relations, creative, social media, filmmaking, as well as analytics and growth marketing, working collaboratively to deliver campaigns for a diverse portfolio of clients.
Bridging the gap
The collaborative venture will offer AUS students an opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
“Through the region’s first student-run agency, we are empowering Sharjah’s homegrown talent and bridging the gap between academia and industry,” said, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa.
“We are committed to equipping today’s young talent with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce, while providing a platform for them to showcase their creativity and use their voices for positive impact.”
Yousef Al Taweel, Founder and CEO of NNC, said that the agency was designed to empower the youth with skills that are pertinent to shaping the present and future.
“We believe that the future of communication is in the hands of young people who will preserve our history, lead our future, and enhance our position globally,” said Al Taweel.
