Assistant Account Executive, Danielle Ferns

Name: Danielle Ferns
Age: 21
From: Mumbai, India
Job Title: Assistant Account Executive, Edelman 

When did you first arrive in the UAE?
I’ve lived in this beautiful city for as long as I can remember. Dubai has an excellent education system that I have been a part of in school and university, and I have watched this city grow with me into a strong and determined leader.

Where did you work prior?
I recently graduated from Manipal University, Dubai in July 2013 and Edelman is the first to give me my break in the media industry. 

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
The Middle East media industry is one that’s very forward thinking and constantly evolving. It is quite impressive to see the industry welcome young talent with open arms.

Tell us about your new role…
My role as Assistant Account Executive is quite exciting. I get to work across a range of accounts, meet interesting people, form some valuable work relationships and gain tremendous experience as I move along.

How do you plan to make your mark?
I believe hard work, determination and most importantly initiative are my key focus points to succeed and create a mark for myself. But most importantly I plan to ‘Show up differently’.

Have you managed to meet many PRs yet?
I’d have to say no. When you’ve just started out, you can never meet ‘many people’ or enough people. Public Relations is one of the most diverse industries and everyone has a uniqueness about the way they work and put their best foot forward. It will be quite interesting for me to meet new PRs during the course of my career.

You interned for sometime in Dubai, how valuable an experience was this?
Very. I can’t stress enough the importance of an internship to kick start ones career. Internships give you the opportunity to learn from the experienced and find your niche.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I can safely say that no matter our language or interests, the Middle East has something for each and every one of us and that in itself says a lot about the quality of media publications.

What sets you apart from other PRs?
At 21, I’m glad to say some things, including this, are still a mystery.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Mobile! It’s the quickest and easiest way to get a hold of me.

Describe yourself in five words…
Passionate, fun, inquisitive, determined and talkative.

What’s your most overused saying?
I’m in it to win it!

Five things you can’t live without?
Ha! Five is too much. I’d say my mum, her food, my dog, music and my friends.

If you weren’t a PR, what would you be?
Some test I took a while ago based on random choices of magazines I read and movies I liked, said I was meant to be an astronaut or a teacher. Thanks, but PR works just great for me.