Malak El Ahwal
Hello! I’m Malak. I spent my entire childhood years in Cairo, Egypt, and then ventured to London and Brighton for my undergraduate studies. I pursued my master’s degree at IE, Madrid. My passion for all things creative has been a constant in my life, immersing myself in the art scenes of these diverse cities has only further fueled my excitement.
In my current role as a Communication Designer for the African Women Leader's Network (AWLN), I've had the privilege of enjoying a profoundly enriching experience. This journey has led me to various conferences across Africa, where I've had the opportunity to introduce fresh elements of branding to communities that may not traditionally emphasize design and communication. Witnessing the tangible, transformative impact of these efforts has been truly gratifying.
“Connect, create, and challenge yourself.”
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ONE WORD.
Enriching.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
I am confident that this program has allowed for profound changes in my life, both on a professional and personal level. It has given me a comprehensive understanding of the creative process, encompassing its entire journey from initial stages to completion. I have witnessed the integration of knowledge taught from separate courses, and how they might come together to show the bigger picture of how creativity works. On a personal note, the past year has fostered a newfound sense of self-assurance. Engaging in projects that required interacting with external clients and collaborating in group work has honed my ability to excel within a collaborative environment.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Selecting a sole favorite memory from my entire experience is quite challenging due to the abundance of all the great moments that come to mind. However, one memory that stands out prominently is the production of our short film for the Entertainment and Media production course.
The process leading up to the actual filming day was very exicting but required a lot of thought and work. We dedicated ourselves to the meticulous tasks of casting actors, crafting the script, and refining the visual and emotional aspects of our short film. The day of the shoot was an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. I had the privilege of meeting numerous individuals, and it was immensely rewarding to witness our collective vision come to life.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
I chose to study this IE program because I aspired to bridge the gap between creativity and the theoretical, analytical, and business aspects. My prior undergraduate degree in Graphic Design had equipped me with a solid artistic foundation, but I wanted to acquire the skills necessary to bring my creative vision to life. As I explored the course program within this master's degree, I was instantly captivated, intrigued and convinced that it precisely aligned with my aspirations.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES THAT YOU ENCOUNTERED ON YOUR WAY? HOW DID YOUR MASTER PROGRAM AND IE HELP YOU THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES?
Some of the challenges I faced along the way included the need to balance the academic workload with other responsibilities, as well as adapt to a new academic environment and explore Madrid to the fullest. IE and my course director were instrumental in helping me overcome these challenges. As for balancing workload, IE made it easy to spread out different due dates and always make sure work was done along the way, which helped me maintain a healthy work- life balance. Adapting to a new academic culture can be daunting, however IE’s international community made the transition much smoother. I found it very easy to make friends from across the world. In summary, IE not only provided the educational tools necessary but also a supportive environment to tackle on all sorts of challenges effectively.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN the program?
Networking within the program is dynamic and the program fosters a tight-knit community of students, professors and industry professional which allow for numerous opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build valuable relationships. Often, our professors would bring in guest speakers which we would also be very helpful in building a larger network. We were always encouraged to connect with professionals Via LinkedIn, as well as contribute towards an interactive learning environment. Also, there were many events that facilitate networking, these gatherings allow students to interact with alumni, guest speakers, and potential employers.
