Samir supplements his major with two minors, a job at the Daily and a role in Ad Club.
Interviewed by Elizabeth Brunette
Why did you decide to become a Strategic Communications major?
I chose to become a journalism major because I have an immense passion for writing. Freshman year, when I learned that I could merge this interest with advertising and creative direction within the strategic communications major, it was a no-brainer to join the ranks of HSJMC.
Are you pursuing any minors, internships, or fields of interest outside your Journalism major? If so, how do you think these enhance your study of Strategic Communications?
I am minoring in both Business Management over at Carlson, as well as obtaining a Creative Writing minor. As someone who wants to know the ins and outs of the advertising industry, these two minors help supplement my journalism major, to truly give myself an eclectic view on the ad world. I want to have the ability to sit down with clients and talk in their language, while still composing creative campaigns that sell products in avant-garde ways.
What has been the most interesting experience you’ve had related to your major or club activities? What did you learn from this experience?
Being able to tour advertising agencies with Ad Club has been phenomenal. The club gives us an excuse to network (in a completely natural and organic way) with the geniuses that are working in Minneapolis agencies. There has not been a time when I have left an Ad Club meeting without feeling even more ecstatic to enter the industry. Plus, working with the student-lead agency and Ad Club subsidiary, Verge, has been not only been an absolute blast, but also all of it serves as perfect hands-on experience during the school year.
What is your dream job?
I will do everything that I can to eventually become the Chief Creative Officer at an advertising agency in New York City
What advice do you have for future HSJMC students?
Aside from checking out every club you can as soon as possible, do everything in your power to join the Minnesota Daily. It does not matter what path of journalism you choose, the Daily will provide an invaluable experience that can translate to any job in the industry. The environment is insanely fun, yet stressful - but it cultivates you for post-graduation in a way I personally feel no other job/club on campus can do.
