When we think about unpacking major themes and career opportunities within the Arts, Media and Communications cluster, Fahad Alden covers the range as a double-major in Digital Media and English with a concentration in Theatre Arts. He graciously took the time to share reflections and insights based on what he’s learned through his coursework and student leadership roles, during his time at UMass Lowell.
What made you decide to pursue both English and the Arts (Digital Media & Theatre)? Are there any specific career paths you’re interested in that require both skill sets?
“I always say I’m not always the smartest or the most popular person in the room, but I’m pretty self-aware and I try to use that to my advantage. I love working with people and I’m a very creative thinker. […] One thing I love about digital media as a program is that you work on script writing. You’re always working with others and creating stories, which I really enjoyed. The way the program was set up really fit into how I learn. […] The reason that I did theater arts was that it really suits my public speaking and performance side. The majors tie in well together. […] English really helps you get better writing skills. It helps you take ideas in a vague way, [from…], “This is the concept”. [to using…] the resources you have, do your best to create it. I created a set using book covers, index cards, and paint, whatever items I had around me. It really helped with my critical and logical thinking skills, which I think are important. The media supports my creativity and my people skills. So, it’s ‘the best of both worlds’ as a philosopher would say.
I love being in a classroom where I can have collaborative relationships with faculty like Pavel, who’s the Digital Media head of department. He has been really helpful with finding internships and opportunities. Shelley has been a really good mentor and I can go to her about academic advice, or personal advice in general. She’s just so down to earth. And, you know, Sue Kim always says FAHSS is a small liberal arts college because we’re in classes of 20 people. That really helped me make friends because you’re forced to talk to people in your class. […] You learn to collaborate and work with people across majors. Sometimes people think, ‘oh, I don’t want to be a performer’, but that’s not the only skill you’re learning.”
Key takeaway: Underlying all three programs are common skills that help to process information, solve problems creatively, communicate critical messages and learn in collaboration with others.
In what ways do you think the study of English enhances your work in the Arts (Digital Media & Theatre) and vice versa?
“I think it makes me more able to communicate effectively. For example, when we did a video for disability services in my video production class, I was the producer and because I had taken Feature Writing with Professor Miller, I was able to ask questions and build rapport with the people we were interviewing and really get some good sound bites and answers. If I hadn’t practiced asking those kinds of questions and then also doing podcasting work, I don’t think I would be able to do that.”
Key takeaway: Interdisciplinary projects allow you to practice and strengthen skills.
How does working on a digital production challenge your understanding of storytelling as compared to reading or writing a literary work?
“I think it helps you understand the moving pieces. When you write something in Screenwriting or when I’ve written essays about plays, you’re kind of just looking at the information and looking how to deliver it, […] but when you’re working on a digital video, you’ve got to consider, ‘what space are we using?’, ‘where are we going to shoot this video?’, ‘how many people do we need?’, ‘does it make sense for what we’re shooting?’ […] You can’t have a 20-minute video that rambles on promoting a department because no one’s going to watch that. […] So, you learn to work within your restraints.”
Key takeaway: Practical implementation introduces real-world challenges to navigate and overcome.
Theatre often requires collaboration. Can you share an experience where your ability to communicate and work with others was crucial to your success?
“Yeah, when I was assistant directing the play Melancholy by Sarah Ruhl last semester, I was assigned to help the ensemble practice. I had to find a way to give direction that was helpful, so I used this approach for working in a leadership role – instead of giving out commands, you pose questions like, “Do you think they would sit this way or do you think they would sit the other way?”; “What are some ways you can convey that emotion?”; “Do you feel like this makes sense in the time period?”. This is important because as a leader, you’re supposed to help people find the questions within, just like a director. You don’t ever want to be that leader that’s bossing and telling people what to do because that’s not what good leadership is. It’s empowering others. […] As a leader, you have to listen to know where you need to make changes.”
Key takeaway: Leadership development is embedded in coursework and experiential learning opportunities.
For students considering a double major or those studying in fields like arts, media & communications, what advice would you give about integrating the creative and analytical aspects of your education?
“A lot of times, when people are double majors, there is the notion that you need to box yourself in and choose either this or that. I used to have that idea. It’s like either you’re a media or theater person. And I’ve come to realize I like both. […] I knew that I needed to be authentic, and I needed to focus on what my strengths are, which is being able to write a really good script or play or shoot certain videos. Those are my strengths. I always say I’m not like the most talented cinematographer. But I love being able to tell stories and create messages out of really dark experiences. […]
I would also say talk to your advisors. I think sometimes students in college want to figure things out on our own, but it’s okay to ask for help. […] Pavel has a saying that ‘digital media is an interdisciplinary major’. So, he’s always saying, “take the history classes”; “take some computer science classes”. He’s like, “take English classes so you can strengthen your writing skills”. […] I feel like it does make you more well-rounded when you’re taking different classes. […]”
Key takeaway: Utilize the resources available to you as a student and stay authentic to who you are.
To learn more about these programs and Fahad’s journey at UML, read his profile.
To explore your career options and get help planning for life after college, meet with a career advisor.