Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school? 

I’m from India, and before coming to USC, I had already spent a few years working in communications across sustainability, gender equity, and social impact. I studied law and English literature, which shaped how I think — analytically, but also through storytelling. 

Before graduate school, I ran my own communications consulting practice, working with organizations like Ernst & Young, UN Live, and the UN Global Compact. A lot of my work involved bringing big global issues — especially around sustainability and gender equality — to international platforms like the UN General Assembly, WEF Davos, and COP. 

I also worked for over three years at a youth leadership and entrepreneurship foundation in India, where I led global campaigns aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Alongside this, I was involved with the Values 20 Summit (a G20 engagement group) and served on the board of a human rights organization supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Across all of this, communication was always my main tool — and I wanted to get better at using it in a more digital, data-driven world. 

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg? 

USC Annenberg was genuinely my first choice. I knew I didn’t want a program that was purely theoretical, I wanted something that taught real, practical skills and pushed me to think about the future of media and communication. 

What really drew me in was how industry-connected the program is, the strength of the Trojan network, and being in Los Angeles, where media, technology, culture, and innovation intersect every day. I was also very intentional about choosing a STEM-designated communications program, because I wanted to build technical and analytical skills alongside my creative background. Annenberg felt like the right place to do that, rigorous, forward-looking, and deeply plugged into the real world. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program? 

What I’ve enjoyed most is how dynamic and hands-on the program is. Every class feels relevant, and almost everything you learn can be applied immediately. It’s not about learning how to “post on social media” — it’s about understanding how digital ecosystems work and how communication actually shapes behavior and culture. 

I’ve especially loved the focus on AI, emerging tools, and experimentation. Through class projects, I’ve learned tools and frameworks that have genuinely changed the way I think and work. The professors really push you to be industry-ready, and outside the classroom there’s always something happening — guest speakers, panels, conversations with professionals. It’s an environment where you’re constantly learning, not just from lectures but from people, ideas, and opportunities around you.