International Students Testimonies

Freelance journalist, author, activist: Interview with Anne Dittmann

Anne Dittmann lives her dream and works as a freelance journalist, author, blogger, speaker and activist. During her work she dedicates herself to the topics that really move her: feminism, sustainability, motherhood and justice. In the interview she told us what she particularly likes about her job and to what extent her studies at HMKW have influenced her.

Anne Dittmann, graduate of B.A. Journalism and Corporate Communications (Photo: Josefine Hüttig)

Anne Dittmann, graduate of B.A. Journalism and Corporate Communications (Photo: Josefine Hüttig)

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

That the university is very familiar and I always felt comfortable at HMKW - even if I had very individual ideas and wishes sometimes.

You acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Corporate Communications at HMKW Berlin. What is your current job position?

I currently work as a freelance journalist, author, blogger, speaker and activist.

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

After my studies I worked for four years as an online editor in the joint editorial department of Berliner Zeitung and Berliner Kurier.

When did you figure out your preferred career path?

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to work as a writing journalist.

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

That was more of a coincidence. I had just dropped out of my studies to learn something that really interested me and started my studies at HMKW two weeks after the start of the semester as a latecomer.

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

Especially the lessons from Dr. Köhler, who trained my critical thinking.

What are your plans for the future?

My working world is currently changing very quickly. That's why I prefer to remain flexible and don't plan too far ahead. But I definitely want to continue to build up my independence and in the future I would like to set and write topics even more independently.

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

My work makes me constantly alert, which is more important than ever in today's political discourse. In particular, the vigilance of critical women and other marginalized people is needed to detect subtle discrimination. I therefore discuss a lot and constantly exchange views with people from different perspectives. I find this very enriching and exciting. Financing independent niche journalism is a challenge, especially if you want to be independent from traditional media companies.

Which current professional projects do you find particularly fulfilling?

I am currently writing an article that deals with New Rights. I think it is important to educate people about the relationships and networks of New Rights - because they have already penetrated the heart of our society. This makes my work very meaningful to me.

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

I was offered a job even before I finished my bachelor thesis.

What would you tell fellow students that study at HMKW?

Find topics that interest you, become an expert on these topics and start publishing on your own websites/blogs/accounts and connect with the scene through these topics.

Which characteristics should students have that want to study „B.A. Journalism and Corporate Communications“?

Curiosity is always a good start.

Ms. Dittmann, thank you very much for the exciting interview. We wish you much success and enriching journalistic projects.