My father, a retired Indian diplomat, was posted there, and I had spent four years in London during my school days. Additionally, my brother had already attended UEL, making it a natural choice for me.

Growing up as the child of a diplomat meant relocating every few years. Although born in Baghdad, I lived in places like Yemen, Saudi Arabia, London, South Africa, and New York. While this lifestyle offered rich cultural exposure, it also had its challenges, such as frequently starting over, losing friends, and a sense of rootlessness. Despite these challenges, I now appreciate the diverse experiences it brought me, and I’ll never forget living in South Africa just after Nelson Mandela's release and witnessing the birth of a new nation!  

After completing my bachelor's degree at Delhi University, I worked for a year in online journalism, which was still in its infancy at that time. Eager to upskill, I pursued a Master’s in Multimedia at the University of East London at Docklands campus.

After graduation, I initially worked again in online journalism in Dubai but soon delved into the booming real estate market in Dubai. The subsequent crash prompted me to reflect on my career path and take a year off to attend film school. My love for film was sparked by a fascination with cinema and visual storytelling and I pursued a year-long diploma course in Prague, which was a pivotal experience, enriching me both professionally and personally. Even though I am not a professional filmmaker, the skills, and experiences I had have been invaluable.

On my return to India, I was able to apply the skills I learnt at film school in a more structured environment within advertising, marketing communications, and content creation. I initially focused on creating film scripts, corporate content, and promotional materials, working for various companies, but eventually started freelancing, allowing me to manage my time and work on multiple projects across industries.

In my current role, I support companies in the B2B space with branding, market communications, market research, and content marketing strategies. This includes everything from brand identity to website development, content strategy, and lead generation. My education at UEL, particularly courses in multimedia production and digital aesthetics, laid a solid foundation that I still draw upon today.

My advice to graduates is to make the most of their university experience, expose themselves to new ideas and communities, and embrace opportunities well beyond their comfort zones.

Rahul Ahmad – MA Multimedia (Production, Culture, Theories) Class of 2002