- What comes to mind first when you think of HMKW?
The informal and friendly atmosphere. From the first open day until now in the sixth semester, I have always felt comfortable here and could rely on getting the help and support I need. In addition to evaluations and assessments, you get, above all, important and individual tips for your professional life.
- You are studying journalism and corporate communications. Why did you choose this study program and what made you choose HMKW Berlin?
After graduating from high school, I actually wanted to (seriously) take off as a hurdler and study business on the side to eventually work in marketing or advertising for sporting goods manufacturers. I first studied economics at Goethe University in Frankfurt. After two semesters and passing two out of five exams, I had to admit to myself that this was the wrong path. A friend told me about the "Journalism and Corporate Communications" course at HMKW. I had already been dreaming of a career as a TV star since I was a child, and going into advertising was also an option. It was the best decision and I still don't regret it today.
- You are spending your internship semester in the capital. Where exactly are you doing your internship and how did the application phase go?
I worked as an intern in the editorial department of DIFFUS magazine. At a very early stage, I had applied for selected and much wanted internships at TV and newspapers in the fields of sports and culture, but I didn't get an acceptance letter. About half a year before I started my internship, I came across the DIFFUS Magazine website. The interviews were interesting and I saw the job advertisement for an editorial internship. Without further ado, I shot an application video with my roommate and sent it to Berlin along with the usual documents and a few work samples. Torben Hodan, owner and editor-in-chief of the magazine, got in touch with me and invited me to Berlin. After a sample article and two interviews, I finally got the internship and was delighted.
- Why did you decide to do an internship at the online magazine Diffus?
On the one hand, because it was the only commitment I had. On the other hand, I really wanted to go to Berlin and explore the world of music. However, this was made more difficult by a general uncertainty about my activities outside the world of sports. Torben was able to take this away from me quickly. He liked my work samples and expressed his interest in working with me. So in the end I felt very comfortable with the decision to move to Berlin for the internship.
- Before the internship, were you already able to gain professional experience?
Not in the journalistic field. Since graduating from high school, I have managed and built up the social media channels of regional companies. Although I also had to write and produce content, the work in the editorial department is very different.
- Which contents of your studies are part of your current job? How do your studies help you in your work routine?
There are a lot of techniques and tips that helped me in the internship. But much more important was the diversity of the study content, thinking from both a PR and journalistic perspective. Even the non-course-specific content helps me to think critically and question processes. So I even applied insights from the "Social Sciences" module in my texts about hip-hop.