A look back at the early work and academic studies of Bobby Syed

Bobby Syed attended the University of South Bank before transferring to the University of Bradford, where he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. A collection of Bobby Syed articles online provide further insights for anyone who wishes to find out more about working in an academic or PR-centered environment.

Here, much of his study focused on the Cold War and for his dissertation topic, he chose the effects of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. On a similar theme, he organised a debate between Russian and American students to time with the signing of the INF Treaty between the Soviet Union and the United States. This debate managed to attract press coverage. An internship at the British American Security Council saw Bobby put his knowledge into practice. Working under Dr Dan Plesch, his work here included writing reports on topics linked to the Cold War, including issues surrounding nuclear weapons.

A Master’s Degree at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) was to follow. Here, Bobby’s focus was South East Asian politics, with a thesis covering the relationship between India and Pakistan. Shortly afterwards, he was employed by SOAS as a project to set up the International Diplomatic Training School, an organisation that still exists – and is now known as the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy. This was a wide-ranging role, requiring him to develop a new diplomatic course with just one week’s notice for three Thai diplomats. His responsibilities included liaising with diplomats, delivering lectures, giving up to date diplomatic training, organising visits to leading institutions, conducting research. He convinced SOAS of the value of such a course in the long run, through his excessive marketing and promotion for this.

Starting in 1992, Bobby Syed also spent a two-year stint working for the Rowland Company, doing PR work for Saatchi and Saatchi. Through an extensive PR programme, Bobby worked with foreign governments with a view to promoting their respective countries as attractive emerging markets. Much of this involved elements of sports marketing; including work based around the Cricket World Cup, the Johnny Walker Classic golf tournament and the Football World Cup. Three years at Hearsay Communications Worldwide followed, where Bobby was Founder/Director. Here, the focus was once again on emerging markets – as well as the ethnic minority market in the United Kingdom. Following this, Bobby focused his efforts on helping to turn the EMMA Awards into a success.