#GradyGrit: Meet Soha Imam

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself before you began taking Grady classes?

When I got into Grady I was so excited. I forgot the feeling of my own fear and insecurities that I previously let get in the way of my professional development and personal growth. If I could go back, I’d tell myself that I am more than enough to be a part of Grady and to be a part of the incredible student body it has. Most importantly, I would tell myself to jump in fearlessly because there will be people there to catch you. I am so grateful to be a part of Grady and to be surrounded by professors and students who are so supportive and have taught me so much about the PR industry. I wouldn’t want to be anything other than a Grady student.

What is your dream job?

My dream job(s) would either be working at Marvel as a PR/Communications Director, or at Vogue as a PR/Communications Director. I would also love to run my own PR/AD agency once I have built up enough experience in the working world post-graduation. My friends always joke that I’d be the one to be a CEO one day and they helped me see a dream I didn’t even know could exist for me. Who knows what the future holds and what dreams will become reality, but I’m excited to find out.

How do you think Grady students are unique compared to other majors on campus?

I think what makes us unique is that we truly are a community. We are all interconnected with each other whether it’s on social media, group chats, or in class. I have seen and experienced how we all support each other when it comes to creating projects, helping each other work on resumes and cover letters, finding internships, and succeeding together as professionals. Yes, deep down we all know at the end of the day we are all each other’s competition but that doesn’t get in the way of our compassion for each other and willingness to help each other out.

What is your favorite part of working for Talking Dog Agency?

I am an Account Executive for Talking Dog Agency. I am essentially the main point of contact for my client, and I serve as my team’s leader. My team and I got to work with Nebo Agency on an in-house campaign called Rescue Pledge this year. It’s been amazing to watch each of my team members flourish in their roles and constantly put their best foot forward as professionals. It’s hard to pinpoint one favorite thing for my job because my entire experience has been phenomenal. I have the honor of working with a team of such talented and kind girls. Having a basis of friendship is what really makes us strong. My favorite thing about the agency itself is the community it brings. We are all a giant family, and I love that I got the chance to be a part of this community within the overall community at Grady.

How have you prepared for the shift to online classes?

I have tried to incorporate my schedule I had on campus to my work from home life. On a day-to-day basis, after I have my morning coffee, I check my emails and then dive into my assignments for the day. I take breaks every 2-3 hours to walk around my house, eat some food, or just take a breather and get my eyes off the computer screen. I try to wrap up my schoolwork by 4:30p.m. because I like to workout at 5:30p.m. every day. Although, the zoom office hours for my classes are optional, I still check in so I can touch basis with my professors on our assignments, as well as to see how they’re doing through this crazy time.

I am a huge planner and someone who needs structure in their life. I had to make sure to structure my life with these changes, so I don’t get lazy and miss assignments. Creating a schedule I know I can maintain without losing sleep or adding stress into my life has been the major key in preparing for online classes. I personally don’t do well with online instruction. I would much rather be in a classroom with my professors, but my schedule has allowed me to prepare myself for success and push through the end of this semester.

What has Grady done to make the transition easier?

The reassuring messages from faculty members saying that we will all get through this together have been very uplifting. My teachers have constantly checked in via email and have made sure I’m on the same page as them in regards to shifting to online classes. Having professors who care and want you to succeed no matter the circumstance has made the transition a lot easier and less stressful than I thought it would be.

What will you miss most about being at Grady every day?

Definitely the people and just seeing everyone on the daily. I miss walking into Grady and feeling the positivity radiating the building. I already miss my classmates, my agency family, my team, my professors and campus. I know this time apart is difficult, but I know we’ll all come out of it stronger and the reunion will be one for the books.

Favorite quote?

“What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength” -Meryl Streep

Proudest moment in the past year?

My proudest moment was getting into Talking Dog as an Account Executive. I put a lot of effort into my application and interview prep, and I felt confident after my interview. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be given my top choice for positions because it is such a heavy role and I had little experience for it. However, when I got the news that I made it as an Account Executive it made my entire year.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

I love watching The Bachelor franchise. I always used to make fun of it and then my senior year of high school I got sucked in. I sometimes hate that I love it so much and how invested in it I can get.

Morning person or night owl?

Is there a way to be both because I am for sure both. Since I live such a structured life I like to take advantage of the day and start early. I schedule my classes and meetings to be as early as possible, right after a morning workout. However, I tend to stay up late doing work or binging shows on Netflix. I’m not sure how I manage to get up early the next morning, but that’s just how I function at this point.

Editor’s Note: Some of the above answers have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.