#FacesofICCIT is a campaign designed to feature the voices of the ICCIT community: students, alumni, faculty and staff. Hear what our community has got to say!
Nudrat Zehra holds a Master degree in the UXD concentration from the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the Digital Enterprise Management (DEM) program in 2020. Since her graduation, she has been working at financial institutions.
What's one word that comes to mind when you hear ICCIT?
Progressive. This is a field that is rapidly evolving with newly developed tools and resources. The ICCIT program offers a variety of courses that reflect these innovations and that can help navigate around opportunities. I encourage students to plan out a tentative route to a particular field. Initially, it is okay to be uncertain about which field to pursue, however, by having a rough plan, you will eliminate some career paths and move to a direction for which you have a passion and one that you thoroughly enjoy.
What message would you like to share with the broader ICCIT community?
Actively motivate yourself to engage within the ICCIT community; whether it’s through courses or events hosted by academic societies and clubs. Remember that even showing up to such events will help you feel confident; simply by interacting with experts and students in the same field. To all the ICCIT students, seize the next small opportunity and build your way up to bigger achievements.
Connect with Nudrat!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nudratzehra15/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nudrat-zehra/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NudratZehra
What do you like the most about your program within ICCIT?
"One of the things I like most about my program in the ICCIT is the diverse range of coursework and subjects that are covered. I find the digital marketing, consulting and e-commerce courses particularly interesting, as they provide valuable insights and practical skills that are directly applicable to my career goals (working in consulting) Additionally, the professors in my program are knowledgeable and approachable, providing valuable feedback and support throughout the course. The resources and support available to me as a student in this program are also impressive, with access to industry-standard software and tools, as well as networking opportunities with industry professionals."
What has been your biggest highlight(s) from your undergraduate experience at ICCIT?
"One of the biggest highlights of my undergraduate experience at ICCIT has been the opportunity to work as the Program Coordinator of the ICCIT Student Mentorship Program. It is such an amazing experience to be able to give back to the community and help other students navigate their academic and professional journeys. It has also been a great way to develop my leadership, organizational and networking skills. I have learned a lot and met amazing people who I know will be valuable contacts in my future career."
What's one word that comes to mind when you hear ICCIT?
“Innovative" is definitely the word that comes to mind when I think of it. The program that ICCIT offers is constantly adapting to the latest technologies, methodologies and trends, providing students with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly-changing digital landscape. The program also encourages creativity and experimentation, fostering an environment that promotes innovation. Additionally, the faculty and staff are also innovative in their teaching methods, ensuring students receive an education that is not only relevant but also cutting-edge.
What message would you like to share with the broader ICCIT community?
A little about Dr. Boase:
Jeffrey Boase holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto. He spent a year at the Harvard Kennedy School on a predoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Digital Government. After completing his Ph.D., he spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Social Psychology at The University of Tokyo.
Dr. Jeffrey Boase researches the role that communication technology plays in the constriction and expansion of personal networks.
Please briefly share how you’ve found your passion for the subject you research.
"For most of my life, I’ve been fascinated by technology and people. Technology is a puzzle that requires logic and creativity to solve. People are a different kind of puzzle. Through my training in sociology, I discovered ways of understanding people that also allow me to draw on logic and creativity. My research on technology and society brings these threads together and helps me to understand how technology is embedded into our existence as a species."
What's one word that comes to mind when you hear ICCIT? Please tell us why.
"Potential. Communication, culture, information, and technology all have the potential to be used in ways that bring about change in the world. The ICCIT is focused on understanding and harnessing this potential, and sharing this knowledge with the next generation."