Umair has nine years of experience in journalism, and earned a Master’s Degree in International Relations from University of Karachi, Pakistan and Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan. Being a career journalist he has worked in print, electronic and online media and has vast experience in news reporting, editing, script writing, researching, interviewing and broadcasting. He has been working for Voice of America (Urdu Service) as an Assistant Editor/Reporter since 2010 where he contributes to and oversees content development and editorial work for different platforms including Radio, TV and Web. He received VoA’s Annual Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2012. Previously, Umair worked as Copy Editor-Web at ARY NEWS, one of the leading news channels in Pakistan; as Staff Reporter at Daily Business Recorder, the most reputable financial daily in Pakistan; and as Staff Reporter at Pakistan Press International, Pakistan’s largest news agency. He has extensively covered international relations, politics, culture, terrorism, conflicts, and government affairs in his career and has written hundreds of original news stories, features, and TV and radio scripts. He has interviewed many foreign and Pakistani dignitaries and celebrities; and developed content and coverage plans for various newsworthy events, occasions and incidents. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Philosophy for European Studies program at Area Study Centre for Europe (ASCE), University of Karachi, Pakistan, and briefly served the Centre as Research Associate before arriving the U.S.
Host Organization: Voice of America
Role at Host Organization: Umair will learn about the VOA, its unique news gathering and broadcasting operations around the world. He will gain experience in new production and broadcasting techniques, U.S. journalism, and its code of journalistic ethics. He will participate in producing multimedia reports and programs, and he will write and edit scripts and conduct interviews.