Public relations (PR) is an industry that many stumble into without prior intention, only to find themselves completely immersed in its dynamic nature. For Hager Alazab, this was precisely the case. Starting her career in journalism at a renowned fashion magazine in Egypt, Hager transitioned into PR almost by chance. Today, she’s thriving in Dubai, working with a blend of corporate and consumer clients, and continually evolving in a field she now considers her passion.
Hager: A Chance That Changed Everything
Initially, Hager didn’t set out to build a career in PR. She began as a journalist, immersed in the world of editorial content. However, as time passed, she found herself gravitating towards event planning and PR work. “I actually stumbled into PR by chance,” Hager recalls. Slowly, she transitioned out of editorial work and embraced the challenges of being a PR executive.
The early days were not without their hurdles. Hager faced a steep learning curve as she navigated the media dynamics and struggled to keep up with the constant communication demands. “I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of calls I had to make and wasn’t fully sure of the expectations of the job,” she admits. But this period of uncertainty soon became a stepping stone for growth. Her first experience with a PR agency marked a turning point, allowing her to expand her skillset beyond event management.
Her time managing clients like Spotify became a defining moment in her career. The account not only taught her the fundamentals of PR but also brought an element of fun and pleasant challenges that made her fall in love with the profession. “Every day was a learning experience, and it gave me the confidence to push my limits,” she says.
A Journey of Growth: From Egypt to Dubai
Hager’s career took a significant leap when she moved to Dubai. This marked her first experience working in the UAE and opened the door to a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. Dubai’s dynamic market presented a steep learning curve, with a different scope of work and expectations compared to her previous roles.
“Moving to Dubai was definitely a massive adjustment,” she says. “Every day has taught me something different, and every day has presented an opportunity for me to grow my skillset in order to be better at my job and the field I am so passionate about.”
Currently working at a major agency, Hager’s role involves handling a mix of corporate and consumer clients. The workload and expectations may be high, but the experience is invaluable. “It’s crucial in teaching me the necessary skills to manage and lead big accounts cross-functionally with different creative teams in the future,” she explains.
The Power of Mentorship and Teamwork
Throughout her career, Hager has drawn motivation and inspiration from those around her. She speaks fondly of her former manager, who played a pivotal role in her professional development. “She believed in my potential even when I was still a junior and didn’t have the breadth of knowledge I have today,” Hager shares.
Her manager’s encouragement pushed her to step outside her comfort zone and approach her work with confidence. By exposing her to different aspects of PR, she ensured Hager gained well-rounded experience. This mentorship instilled in Hager a belief in the importance of empowering others. “I’ve learned to celebrate not just my wins but also the wins of my team. PR is a collective field, and success is a shared achievement,” she emphasizes.
Lessons Learned: Embracing Setbacks and Celebrating Wins
Hager’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. As a naturally competitive and futuristic thinker, she admits it’s easy to overthink mistakes. However, working in PR has taught her to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than weaknesses.
“Once you stop thinking of your mistakes as weaknesses but rather as areas of improvement, you can start investing in yourself and growing,” she says. This mindset shift has allowed her to embrace the learning process and focus on long-term growth rather than short-term setbacks.
One of the most valuable lessons Hager has learned is the importance of celebrating the little wins. In PR, every day presents both victories and challenges, and acknowledging even the smallest achievements helps maintain motivation. “It’s these small moments of success that keep you going,” she notes.
Finding Passion and Purpose in PR
What makes PR so fulfilling for Hager is its alignment with her natural storytelling abilities. “I love that PR is all about storytelling,” she says. “As a storyteller by nature, I feel like I’ve evolved in PR because it’s so intertwined with who I am as a person.” The ability to set narratives and make sense of complex ideas has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Hager’s passion for PR goes beyond the job itself. She believes that pursuing a career you’re passionate about is essential for long-term motivation and success. “Never do a job just as a pastime or a source of income. If you aren’t passionate about your career, it’s hard to stay motivated and want to continue doing it,” she advises.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As Hager continues to build her career in PR, she remains focused on personal and professional growth. Her experiences in Dubai have equipped her with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of PR.
To her younger self, she would offer a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Stop panicking. Trust the process, work hard, and stay passionate about what you do.”
Hager’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can transform uncertainty into a fulfilling career. Through her work in PR, she continues to shape narratives, build connections, and redefine success—one story at a time.
Do follow her on Instagram
Solar Energy Becomes the Fastest-Growing Power Source in the EU in 2024
