Please describe shortly your current profession. How does your typical day at work look like?
I am a volunteer editor at a media production company that predominantly produces weekly auditions for the rbb radio. Monday till Friday I work at the editorial office, I research into the topics and search for potential guests and speakers who could be interviewed on a particular topic. I prepare the interview script for the moderators. I am also responsible for the coordination of the recording during the live programs.
What was your motivation to study ‘Sociology – European Societies’? To what extend did the program relate to your undergraduate studies?
I have earned my Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from the Carl-von-Ossietzky University in Oldenburg. I took there an introductory course by prof. Martin Heidenreich on the social structure of the European Union that I really enjoyed. I was attracted by the clear EU context of the Master’s program.
What is your personal assessment of the Master’s program (organization of the teaching, structure, tutoring, cooperation with other institutions, etc.)?
Our class of 2011 was a really small group of about 30 students. Therefore everyone knew each other well and the teaching staff had also a direct contact with us. In my opinion the organizational structure of the studies was really good and above all transparent, as a lot in the at that time newly grounded program has been discussed and organized in cooperation with the students. It was totally different during my undergraduates.
When and how did you choose your current profession? Did you realize your plans from the time of your studies?
I knew since the beginning of my studies that I want to go in the direction of journalism. The specific decision to work at a radio came after I graduated, though.
What in your opinion is the most important thing for your work that you learned during your studies? What do you still profit from
Above all I have learned three things important for my work:
1. Good structuring of my own arguments,
2. Critical evaluation of texts and arguments of others,
3. Fundamental information research.
Since my responsibilities include preparation of popular science auditions as well, I have the advantage of being knowledgeable enough to assess the scientific work we are about to report – both on the robustness of their methods and the quality of their content.
Which additional qualifications should one gain as a student that are crucial or useful for your current profession?
Knowing how to self-organize is very important. There is no time in this profession for procrastination of any important tasks. Furthermore, a good sense of language and interest in daily happenings are important too.
Is there anything from the Master’s program that evokes especially strong memories?
Working during the research practicum and the Master’s thesis is still a strong memory. In these two last stages of the studies you learn extremely lot – specially about the practical side of research.
What advice would you give the freshman students who would like to pursue a similar career?
If you want to work in the media, you should invest some time already during your studies in an internship or other practical experience – even if it means taking a sabbatical term. Short internships during semester breaks might be not compatible with the workload in the studies program.
