Alumni Spotlight – Rahul Karam

At MDX, we know that our students are going to go on to achieve brilliant things with their careers. We have an active alumni association, and keep in touch with as many students as possible in their years after graduation.

Today we hear from Rahul Karam, who discusses life during and after his degree at MDX.

Rahul Karam  
BSc Hons Information Technology  
Class of 2013

How was your university experience with MDX? 
As a part of the undergraduate batch, it was an experience of many firsts for me. I had the liberty of deciding my own curriculum and specialisms.  
I was introduced to a faculty of professors who shared real life experience and practical knowledge in their fields. Instead of the conventional timed examinations, my progress was gauged through project-based assessments, fostering a more holistic understanding. I had the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that helped balance my mental well-being, and lastly, I had the opportunity to engage with students from different parts of the world that broadened my cultural horizons.

Do you have any specific good memories that highlight your experience? 
I actually do have a cherished memory that vividly illustrates my experience. During a particular module submission, I came across a challenge that had me grappling for days on end. I then sought the counsel of Dr Lejla Vrazalic, who went on to simply recontextualise the issue by giving me an example in the context of the RTA Metro (which had just been introduced around the same time). [Contextualising like this] helped me solve my own challenge. This ability to shift perspective inspired me so much, that it leaves an indelible mark on my work; I try to explain complex issues to my team by breaking it down into a different concepts or perspectives.

What was your dream career when you went to Uni? And did that change in the process of your studies? 
My dream career in late 2000s was to be a graphic designer, my modules had a huge element of design within them and it helped hone my technical skills. During 2012, I had the privilege of securing a substantial and gratifying internship with Disney, where I had the opportunity to work on projects that I had only ever fantasized about. Unfortunately over time it became evident to me that my innate talents leaned more towards the realm of data and numbers than the creative domain, which ultimately steered me towards my current career in digital advertising.

What do you do for a career now, and how did you get there? 
I currently work for Dentsu International at their MENA headquarters in Dubai. Dentsu is one of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks in the world, a part of the Big 6 advertising agencies worldwide. I am the Associate Director for Paid Media, which in layman terms is basically digital advertising across Google, Facebook, Amazon, TikTok, Snapchat or any digital medium. Within this capacity, I take charge of online advertising endeavors for prominent global brands operating within the strategic verticals of automotive (Honda), technology (Intel), and sports (Reebok). My professional journey has been a multifaceted one. It commenced with an internship as a graphic designer at Disney during my university years, a role that eventually paved the way for my entry into the realm of digital marketing for a local SMB in Dubai. Whilst in that role I was also challenged to pick up online advertising as a part of my job responsibilities, an area I gradually developed a profound affinity for. After five fruitful years and several diverse roles at the SMB, I made the deliberate decision to transition to the agency side. I landed a role with Dentsu (Merkle) as an account manager in 2018, and over the years, I steadily advanced through the ranks, owning roles of Team Lead, and eventually reaching my current position as Associate Director.

How has your degree helped you in your current role and how do you see it helping your progression in the future? 
My undergraduate degree has been instrumental in equipping me with the essential skills to tackle real-world challenges effectively. Many of my coursework assignments required me to venture into the field, identify technical issues, and formulate practical solutions. Undoubtedly, my undergraduate education has played a pivotal role in shaping my career trajectory so far. However, to ensure a more robust and promising future, I recognise the need to pursue an MBA as the logical next step, as it will enhance my capabilities and opportunities for growth in my field.

Do you have a message for current and graduating students? 
Explore!  
As a part of my current role, I lead hiring for the Merkle team which includes our graduate programme where I've come across so many individuals from different degrees - sustainability, finance etc., and so many of them have gone on to excel within the digital advertising field. I'd suggest to all students to express and explore themselves and realise early on that career paths don't need to be linear. At 20-25 they are in the very early stages of their professional development to make that decision on what their next 30 years of working career need to look like, so they shouldn't be stressing so much at that young age. I encourage them to undertake multiple internships across different (but relevant) fields. This firsthand exposure will provide insights into their own strengths, passions, and aptitudes, ultimately guiding them towards a career path that resonates most profoundly with their unique talents and aspirations.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery, for it is through exploration that one can best chart a course toward a fulfilling and rewarding future.

If you are an alumni of Middlesex University Dubai, stay connected by joining our Alumni Association.

Becoming a part of the Alumni Association at MDX enables you to maintain a lifelong connection with the University and your fellow Alumni, sharing experiences and expertise while enjoying a range of exclusive offers, events and networking and volunteering opportunities.