Has your experience at DCB helped you with your career today and if yes, how?

Absolutely. I’ll stick to two main points: the ability to find similarities and to find what’s interesting in what you’re doing. These two are linked right back at DCB because both points are embodied in the curriculum.

At DCB, someone scientifically driven would still be required to touch subjects like drama. We grew up being encouraged to try different paths with safety guard rails set up and guided by supportive teachers. I didn't really experience that in the other schools that I attended, and I've attended many so I can vouch for that.

It's the same with the arts programme. Even if you can't paint, the teacher will encourage you. It's okay to not be the best at everything, but you'll feel free to explore.

Are you still in touch with some of your peers at DCB?

Out of all the schools I've ever attended, DCB kids are the ones I keep the most contact with. As an alum, we all evolved together, and we have this common place that we called home for so many years. It doesn't matter that you weren’t in the same friend group; we can always pick up the conversation and talk again after not talking for years. It's a very strong bond that we all have with each other.

I also want to add that even DCB parents have been so supportive in my journey so far. We used to have career days and career panels and also invited parents on campus (as speakers), and some of the job interviews I've received were from DCB parents. It’s important for the students to realise how much help parents can provide and how that legacy could snowball in the future.

With the advent of AI, ChatGPT and other such tools, how do you see the future of your trade?

AI isn’t really new to us. We use it for a lot of the technical things that we do, like optimising advertisements and having machine learning to figure out how much money we should put in certain places. It’s why you see the advertisements that you see on your phone.

I know that there is a chance that any of our jobs could be replaced, but at this moment, we need to think about what we are doing for these brands. We’re not just offering them our hands to enter numbers into the system, but our ability to think through so many scenarios related to the emotional experience, something very human. They also don’t know the different consumers or audiences that we are speaking to, and how people differ based on lifestyle differences or cultural backgrounds. As humans, we understand market nuances, and while I can’t say that my job is future-proof, staying curious helps. What you know now is not going to be forever.

Together, anywhere