Why did you choose the Masters’s programme in Strategic Communication?

I had known for a while that I wanted to complement my bachelor’s degree in HR with a master’s, and since my career had turned towards communication, this program was perfect for me. I felt a need to advance my profession as a communicator, and was therefore drawn to this program due to the broad and strategic focus.

What do you currently work with?

I am currently working as a communications consultant, helping clients with project management, campaign planning and creation of text, image and video.

What is the biggest challenge in your current job?

I believe I am experiencing what a lot of communicators are today. We have an expectation to simultaneously have a high strategic understanding and perspective, whilst also being very creative and technologically advanced in using photo, video and editing gadgets. It is both a challenge and a blessing for me. I would not want to simply work with strategy and planning, I need the creative outlet too. But it puts a high demand on competence.

How do you use the knowledge you gained during your studies in your working life?

It is always difficult to point out what you learned exactly, since I believe the biggest learning is a new mindset and a deeper understanding of what the purpose of good communication is. Thanks to my master’s I have a broad understanding of the role of communication, both in society and in organisations. My gut feeling and ability to make good decisions is better now than it was before my studies.

What advice would you give to new students?

Try to combine your studies with practising communication. If you have not worked in communications before, take an internship or voluntary role somewhere. It makes all the difference to be able to practice what you learned whilst also gaining new theoretical learnings.  It is in “real life”, in the practice, that you truly understand what you read about in school.