Successful career start: From HMKW to Deutsche Welle

05/20/2020

Christian Caurla, graduate of M.A. Convergent Journalism, already worked as an intern at Deutsche Welle during his studies and was able to join the company after graduating as a journalist. In his daily work, he now mainly produces videos for television and social media. In the interview he told us more about his current job, his best memories of his student days and the biggest challenges in his profession.

Graduate Christian Caurla works as a journalist at Deutsche Welle.

What comes to mind when you think about your studies at HMKW?

Going back to study was one of the best choices I made. I am happy I chose Berlin and HMKW. I will miss the direct contact with the professors, the nice stuff, and the learning environment in general.

You acquired a Master of Arts in Convergent Journalism at HMKW Berlin. What is your current job position?

I currently work as a journalist for Deutsche Welle in Berlin. I mostly produce videos for TV and social media.

Did you get any further work experiences prior to your current position that you would like to share with us?

My first professional job experience was in Milan, I was selling the advertising slots of the biggest radio station in the country. It wasn’t my thing. I moved to LA and worked for an event and media production company. There I learned to shoot videos, edit them, and work on motion graphics. These skills are still the bedrock on which I build my career.

When did you figure out your preferred career path? How much was your choice influenced by the compulsory internship?

I knew what I wanted to do before joining HMKW. I knew I liked journalism, and I knew that my video skills could open a door to this career path. The master’s degree at HMKW for me was a ticket to get into a world more aligned with my interests and ethic.

Why did you decide to study “Convergent Journalism”? And what made you choose HMKW Berlin?

I was looking for a journalism university abroad, in English, with reasonable fees, that would accept students with little to no experience in the field. When you run the numbers, there really aren’t many candidates that fit this profile. HMKW was one of the only one that I found. The direct contact with the professors and the support of the staff convinced me it was the right choice.

Which contents of your studies are part of your current job? How do your studies help you in your work routine?

In our course we focused on videos, and those are a significant aspect of my current job. Honestly, though, the game changer for me was not learning knew skills, but acquiring information from professors and journalists, getting inside knowledge otherwise unattainable, as well as a small but significant net of contacts.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to keep working on my current job at Deutsche Welle and publish my videos and articles on other publications as well.

What do you like most about your current job position? What is your biggest challenge?

Flexibility, lots of free time, a good wage, nice colleagues are all very positive aspects of my current job. The biggest challenge is having to repor on a new story that you know will influence some people and on which there will be your name. You want to do a good job, be clear, creative, entertaining. The pressure is high.

Could you tell us more about the application phase after your graduation?

I started working at Deutsche Welle almost immediately after I matriculated at HMKW. A professor who used to work there gave everyone in the class an assignment: we had to go out in Berlin, find a story, and come back with a finished report in 24 hours. I made a video that he liked. He showed it to someone else in Deutsche Welle, where I then got a internship and where I am still working.

What would you tell fellow students that study at HMKW?

The university is young and still growing. There are a lot of things that could be improved. But the professors and the staff have a solid commitment to the future of their students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Which characteristics should students have that want to study „M.A. Convergent Journalism“?

HMKW is the ideal university for students who are looking for a young university, with small classes that can flexibly accommodate individual needs and offer a direct relationship with stuff and professors. They should also have a solid financial plan to ensure they can focus entirely on their studies without having to work in the meantime.

Mr Caurla, thank you for your insights and helpful advice. We wish you all the best for the future.