Education Blog

From Thesis to Recognition: Farid Fakharzadeh on Academic Excellence, Career Insights, and Lessons from BFM

Farid Fakharzadeh graduated cum laude in 2024. On April 23, he received recognition for his master’s thesis in the Digital and Media Culture focus field in the Tallinn University Students’ Scientific Works 2023/2024 Competition.

Farid Fakharzadeh

Specialty and year of graduation. What sparked your interest in Communication Management?
I graduated from the Communication Management MA programme in January 2024. I was initially drawn to the idea of studying Intercultural Communication, though my understanding at the time was quite raw. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became by the complexities of culture—how it has shaped not just by tradition or language, but also by politics, power structures, and institutional narratives. A real turning point for me was participating in Eurocampus in Utrecht. Eurocampus is a joint interdisciplinary programme of ten European universities. That experience deepened my understanding and shifted my approach.

What is your current role, and what does it entail?
I do a range of things that reflect my diverse interests. Primarily, I am a Media Analyst at the largest Nordic media intelligence company, working within a team focused on Danish media. My responsibilities include providing qualitative insights into editorial and social media content for various Danish organizations and corporations. My daily work involves in-depth content analysis, creating data visualizations, and producing reports that help clients better understand public perception—ultimately shaping their strategic decisions and communication approaches.

Tell us about your master’s thesis that received recognition.
My thesis, “Cultural Diversity and Tallinn University Senate: Perceptions and Alignment,” explores how cultural diversity is understood and approached by those in decision-making positions within the university. In a world where “diversity” is often used as a feel-good buzzword, I wanted to critically examine what the concept actually means in practice. While diversity is valued in principle, it is often treated superficially—lacking clear policies or initiatives and shaped by a narrow national identity. The study challenges tokenistic approaches to diversity in higher education and calls for a more reflective, ongoing evaluation of how institutions define and enact cultural inclusion. For me, it was a way to combine theory with lived experience and to ask bigger questions about power, belonging, and the role of universities in an internationalizing world.

Farid Fakharzadeh

Which professional achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I do not often think in terms of pride, but I am always happy when I get the chance to learn something new. I love taking on challenges—that is when I learn best. Whether it is stepping into unfamiliar territory or figuring something out for the first time, those moments of growth matter most to me. The learning itself feels like the real achievement.

What is something about you that would surprise people to know?
Before doing my master’s, I spent eight years teaching English—mainly preparing students for proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL. I also have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which seems far removed from what I do now. Nevertheless, it is funny how skills and perspectives from those earlier paths still find their way into my current work. Everything connects somehow.

A knowledge/lesson I picked up at BFM and keep in mind daily (whether at work or in personal life):
Critical thinking. It is one of the most valuable things I developed during my time at BFM. It gave me a lens to look at the world—to question assumptions, think more deeply, and stay open to alternative perspectives, whether at work or in everyday life.

One piece of advice for future and current BFM Communication Management MA students:
I’m not a big fan of giving advice, but here’s something that helped me: stay curious and keep an open mind. Things might feel confusing or overwhelming at times, but it is all part of the process—and it is worth it in the end. Moreover, if you get the chance to take part in Eurocampus, absolutely do it. It’s a life-changing experience that goes far beyond the academic side.