By: Isy Davy
Photo Credit: Malik Gay
Meet Malik Gay, a 2023 graduate of UMBC’s Media and Communication Studies program. After transferring from the University of Hartford, Malik searched for a school that aligned with his athletic and academic goals. What he found at UMBC wasn’t just a degree; it was a supportive, tight-knit community that helped him sharpen his voice, expand his perspective, and explore media as a tool for connection, creativity, and change.
Today, Malik is a Junior Media Buyer at WHITE64, a full-service advertising agency based in Northern Virginia. His role places him at the forefront of campaign execution, collaborating with clients across the DMV area to help them meet strategic advertising goals. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced space where Malik thrives, bringing together data-driven insight and creative thinking to help brands tell the right stories to audiences.
His interest in media didn’t begin after graduation; it was strengthened throughout his time at UMBC. He credits the MCS program for helping him understand the broader impact of media in society and encouraging critical thinking through collaboration and mentorship. “Learning alongside talented peers and being taught by professors who genuinely cared about our success beyond the classroom was invaluable,” Malik shares.
One of the most memorable projects from his time in the program was a media literacy class competition that challenged students to gain as much traction as possible on TikTok in one week. “I may or may not have won!” he jokes. But the real takeaway wasn’t just winning, it was learning how platform algorithms work, creating engaging content, and tapping into trends that resonate with audiences. These are the exact skills he now uses every day in the world of digital media.
That hands-on experience also speaks to a deeper pattern in Malik’s journey: a consistent sense of intention. Malik approaches his work purposefully when managing a group project or strategising with clients. For him, it’s not about producing content just to keep up, it’s about understanding who it’s for, why it matters, and how it can impact.
After graduating, Malik continued to grow personally and professionally by enrolling in UMBC’s Community Leadership Graduate Certificate program. The experience deepened his connection to the Baltimore community and broadened his view of what it means to lead with empathy. “It gave me a fresh perspective on the Baltimore community and reinforced the importance of supporting those around me,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Malik has his sights set on continued growth, not just within the advertising industry but also in his personal development and community involvement. In the next five years, he hopes to keep evolving in his career, stay curious about new technologies, and give back to others navigating early career challenges. His balance of ambition and community-mindedness makes him a powerful example for current students looking to make a meaningful impact in media.
Malik’s advice is simple but powerful for those still figuring out their path: “Build and nurture relationships within the UMBC community, especially in the MCS department. Your peers and professors are incredible resources, so engage with them, learn from each other, and maintain those connections long after graduation.”
Though still early in his career, Malik has already proven what’s possible when intention meets action. His story reminds us that when used thoughtfully, media can do more than inform or entertain; it can improve lives, build communities, and inspire meaningful change.
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