ABU DHABI – Twelve students of Zayed University’s Middle East Public Relations Association club on the Abu Dhabi campus visited Acorn Strategy at TwoFour54 Yas Creative Hub for an informative session in January. The company’s experienced team members shared their career stories and agency insights.
During the session, the students got the chance to know more about how Acorn Strategy came to be and what they do today, as well as meet key figures such as Kate Midttun, founder and CEO of Acorn Strategy; Rose Carbonell, general manager in the UAE; Sumitra Roy, account director; Ian Butlin, senior marketing strategist, and Paul Parsons, digital director. Sharing their stories and professional journeys, the team members highlighted the diversity within Acorn Strategy and proved their proficiency in the marketing and communications field.
“Acorn Strategy was kind enough to invite us in at TwoFour54 and help us better understand each employee’s role,” said Salama Khalifa Al Teneiji, a MEPRA club member. “The information based on their professional experience was very helpful and it’s something that we’ll implement in our career.”
In addition to career advice, students gained a deeper understanding of the distinctions between working for a client and working within an agency. All team members urged students to gain experience in both client and agency roles to comprehend perspectives from both sides. Midttun also encouraged students to join associations to expand their networks and “to know what’s happening outside [their] bubble.”
“I enjoyed learning more about the world of media and marketing, especially the different methods used by the agencies that help understand their clients and market, like social studying, which is something that we can pick up to help us get a kick-start in our future careers,” said Shama Alwahedi, a MEPRA club member.
The students were then greeted by three Zayed University alumni: Maitha Khalid, head of Creative Lab; Athari Alsaadi, creative projects senior, and Zeinab Alshekaili, creative projects officer, at the Creative Lab. They provided a tour of the facilities, presenting opportunities available for them as current students and future interns. Finally, the students explored the Community Hub, discovering its available vibrant coworking spaces.
About the author
Maryam Alteneiji studies Integrated Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Starting with her first semester at ZU, she has been a recipient of the Dean’s List, a prestigious award for students with high GPAs. She is also a member of MEPRA’s ZU student chapter in Abu Dhabi.
