Alumni Profile: Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Artsci'11
When Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Artsci’11, began studying at Queen’s, he had a vague idea about what his future career might be. As he progressed through his degree in Gender Studies, and immersed himself into student activities such as writing for the Queen’s Journal, it became clear that journalism would be his chosen career path.
Just a few years after graduating, Mr. Abdelmahmoud was in his “dream job” as online producer for The Agenda with Steve Paikin , TV Ontario’s flagship current affairs program. Today, as Social Media Specialist, he manages social media for all current affairs and documentaries with TVO.
A bona-fide “Kingston boy,” Mr. Abdelmahmoud attended Bayridge Secondary School and chose Queen’s for its excellent reputation in undergraduate studies and for its proximity to home. Even though he remained in his hometown, he felt as though a whole new world had opened up for him once he became a Queen’s student.
“I felt as though I was learning all the time, even when I didn’t always attend class,” he admits. As an opinion writer for the Queen’s Journal , president of the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society, and student senator in the Alma Mater Society, combined with a continual dose of intellectual discussion with professors and students, sparked Mr. Abdelmahmoud’s interest in the world around him.
“All these ingredients propelled me toward journalism. I was increasingly aware of the issues that concerned students and society as a whole. I am fortunate to still be able to tell those stories at TV Ontario,” he says.
A journalist with strong opinions is always a good thing, and when asked the perennial question regarding higher education – the value of a humanities degree – Mr. Abdelmahmoud has no problem positing his ideas.
“For me, a humanities degree was instrumental in pursuing journalism. I am able to connect the dots, to really understand cause and effect of situations, to gain insight into root problems of social issues,” he says. “Studying the humanities teaches you how to think critically and deeply, and to develop a world view. I feel I can contribute with an open mind,” he says.
Mr. Abdelmahmoud now lives in Toronto with his wife Emily Burns, Artsci’09, MA’12. It’s a safe bet we will hear more about him as a young, up and coming Canadian journalist.
