HBI continues to grow – new to the team is Irfan Muhammad. He contributes experience from international PR work, where he has already been able to gain different experiences in the communications industry on three continents. In this profil, Irfan introduces himself and his professional and personal background.

Name: Muhammad Irfan

In which field did you study/train?

I have a bachelor‘s degree in politics and international relations from International Islamic University Islamabad in Pakistan and recently finished my master’s in media and communication sciences from the Technical University of Ilmenau, Germany.

Besides that, I had the opportunity to study for a semester at the Nicholson School of Communications at the University of Central Florida through the Erasmus Exchange Program.

Where have you worked so far and what experience have you already gained?

I worked as a communications intern at Engineering Imaginative Associates soon after my undergraduate degree. Later, my curiosity about mass media galvanized me to work as a journalist with ARY News Pakistan which was crucial in my understanding of social issues and the media landscape of Pakistan.

During my master’s degree at the Technical University of Ilmenau, I also had the opportunity to work as a student assistant with the Erasmus scholarship program at Leonard Büro Thüringen. After the completion of my master’s degree, I worked for a short period as a coordinator with Freiberger Seniorendienst, where I was responsible for organizational communication and planning.

What’s special about your CV?

I believe that my enthusiasm for media and communications, international experiences coupled with my interest in climate topics helped me to stand out among the candidates.

What do you expect in the first few months at HBI?

I’m certain that my first few months at HBI are crucial to give a solid foundation to my desire to become a successful public relations specialist. I am passionate to learn more about the topics I’m working on and get a better understanding of international media relations. Further, I am confident that this traineeship will be a great opportunity to learn strategic communications and to transform my theoretical skills into practice.

How do you imagine your PR work to look like?

Looking at the word PR itself helps us to understand that it involves extensive and meaningful communication to enhance the brand value of an entity among the public. In addition to that, I always see that being in PR gives you the opportunity to look at the clients and communicators from a strategic position which is a great chance to play an important role between the two stakeholders.

What do you find particularly fascinating about the technology industry?

Technology has made great progress in human lives and the understanding of the universe in the past century. The advancements in computer technology and artificial intelligence are something which the world has its eyes on.

Where are you from? Do you have international experience?

I was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of northern Pakistan known as Baltistan. Baltistan consists of  the two words Balti und Tibetisch. ‘Balti‘ the Tibetisch dialect speaking people in the northern Pakistan ‘stan‘ a persian word for a place. However, my life is kind of that of a nomad, moving from one country to another and one city to another to satisfy my soul. I acquired my education from Pakistan, United States and Germany which gives me exposure to three different continents.

Would you rather be in the city or the countryside?

Although each place has its own charm, if I had to choose one from the two, I would choose to live in the countryside due to its relaxing environment, fresh air and scenic natural beauty. However, the problem of living in the countryside is that there is a lack of economic and educational opportunities which is the reason I have chosen to move to Munich.

What did you want to become when you were a child?

As a child, my parents wanted me to become a doctor, but over time I developed my interest in social sciences.

What is your favorite Social Media Platform and why?

I like using Facebook and Twitter to receive new updates and connect with friends and people sharing similar interests.