A S U

The Faculty of Mass Communication at Ain Shams University welcomed its new students for the 2026/2027 academic year on Thursday, September 24, with an orientation event introducing the Faculty and its various programs, emphasizing the importance of practical training and skill development, and featuring interactive sessions through which prominent media professionals and journalists shared their expertise and experiences.

The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Education and Student Affairs, and under the supervision of Prof. Heba Shaheen, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication, and Prof. Salwa Soliman, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs. The event was organized and covered by the Faculty’s “IClub” team under the supervision of Dr. Nada Mounir, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit at the Faculty.

Before the official program began, the new students participated in a variety of activities and interactive games combining entertainment and networking, as well as photography activities exploring students’ first impressions, feelings, and aspirations for their future at the Faculty. They also took part in group games based on challenges and communication, creating an engaging atmosphere that encouraged interaction among students.

Prof. Heba Shaheen expressed her delight at meeting the new cohort and warmly welcomed the distinguished media professionals and experts participating in the event, appreciating their presence and willingness to share their expertise and experiences with future generations. She explained that media is a broad and constantly evolving field that is not limited to a single career path, noting that technology continues to open up new horizons and opportunities for talented individuals committed to continuously developing their skills.

For her part, Prof. Salwa Soliman welcomed the new students and emphasized the importance of attending lectures and practical sessions, as well as participating in various activities while maintaining discipline and respecting campus regulations.

An introductory video about the Faculty of Mass Communication at Ain Shams University and its educational vision was screened, followed by another video presenting the Faculty’s four academic programs: Visual and Audio Communication, Corporate Communication, Advertising, and Digital Journalism, providing students with a comprehensive overview of the available fields of study.

As part of the event’s focus on sharing professional experience with students, several Ain Shams University alumni working in the media delivered welcoming remarks. Sports presenter Hany Hathout began his speech by thanking the Faculty administration, explaining that the Faculty provides students with the essential tools and academic foundation, while students themselves are responsible for building their professional identity through practice, training, and learning from mistakes.

Hathout stressed the importance of perseverance and continuing to pursue opportunities without fear of rejection, while emphasizing the need for continuous reading and self-development.

Mohamed Iraqi, Media Director of the Egyptian Football Association and analyst at ON Sport, discussed the nature and challenges of the labor market. He encouraged students not to rely solely on academic study, but to continuously develop their skills and gain comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field they are passionate about pursuing professionally.

A video introducing the Faculty’s Student Union was then screened, highlighting its various activities and competitions, as well as its role in organizing different events.

Continuing the series of inspiring messages, media professional and Radio 9090 presenter Fady Ibrahim highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available across television, radio, and modern digital platforms. He emphasized the importance of mastering languages, particularly Arabic as an essential tool for media professionals, noting that media is a broad and integrated field.

Media professional Aziza Abu Bakr, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Al-Shabab Magazine at Al-Ahram and Editor-in-Chief at CBC, emphasized the importance of professional preparation and gaining practical experience early during university studies rather than waiting until graduation. She also stressed the importance of developing an independent and distinctive professional identity instead of attempting to imitate others.

In the same context, Sawt Al-Arab radio presenter and media professional Sameh Negm noted that university education represents a golden opportunity to learn through trial and error, encouraging students to explore their passions and move beyond conventional paths.

The event also featured a variety of entertaining and interactive activities, including a humorous video addressing some of the most common misconceptions about studying media, which were then clarified and corrected to provide new students with accurate information. This was followed by a segment titled “Why Did You Choose Mass Communication?”, featuring the experiences and perspectives of several students and their journeys at the faculty.

The event also included interactive games and questions with the audience, a poetry recital, and a video featuring students’ responses about the most important advice and information they wished they had known before joining the faculty, with the aim of sharing their experiences with the new cohort.

The event concluded with the honor of participating guests and prominent media professionals, as well as those responsible for organizing and covering the event. Academically outstanding students and students with distinguished projects in the Corporate Communication Department were also honored. At the beginning of the new academic year, the Faculty of Mass Communication thus delivered a welcoming message to its new students, encouraging them to embrace university life as a comprehensive journey that integrates academic learning, practical training, and student activities to develop a distinguished professional media identity.