Master Media Studies Alumni Experiences

Imagine a world where technology not only transforms our lives but also raises fundamental questions about privacy, ethics, and society. For Cemre, a graduate of the Master Media, Digitalisation & Social Impact at Erasmus University Rotterdam, this fascinating interaction between humans and technology was the key reason to choose this programme. "This master's gave me the opportunity to not only understand technology but also to critically evaluate it, ensuring we can work more efficiently without losing sight of the privacy of individuals and businesses," he shares.

With a background in Global Law and a passion for pop culture, Cemre knew exactly where his interests lay: the ethical challenges of AI and the role of surveillance in our digital lives. "AI often sparks both excitement and resistance," he explains. The Media, Digitalisation & Social Impact programme aligned perfectly with his interests, offering courses such as “Methods of Media Research” and “Unboxing the Algorithm.” These courses provided him with insights to weigh both the benefits and risks of AI, effectively gather and analyse data, and develop substantiated recommendations and guidelines.

These skills now serve him well in his role as an AI Advisor at the Municipality of Dordrecht, where he advises municipalities and organisations on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence, with a special focus on Generative AI. In practice, this involves creating guidelines, manuals, and training programmes, as well as organising knowledge-sharing sessions to support colleagues in navigating this technology. The master’s programme prepared him for this challenging and dynamic role: "The knowledge I gained during the master’s helps me translate complex technical topics into accessible and comprehensible information."

Cemre’s advice for future students? "Don’t hesitate to ask your lecturers questions, both during and after class. Write your thesis on a topic that genuinely interests you and start networking while you’re still studying. Consider participating in extracurricular activities like case projects and hackathons – they’re a great way to further develop your skills and broaden your knowledge. This programme provides insights that are invaluable for your career."

As Global Communications Manager at Philips, Media & Business (2021) alumna Maria develops and executes best-in-class internal and external communications strategies to enhance brand reputation and drive business objectives. She works closely with teams across different functions and regions to ensure effective communication and messaging. Maria shares with us her experiences with finding a job and working in the Netherlands.
 

What is it like to work as an international in a tech-company in the Netherlands?

It has been a wonderful experience, and I take pride in being an alumna of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Many of my colleagues also studied at Erasmus, leading to engaging discussions about our shared experiences. This environment allows me to offer a diverse perspective and collaborate effectively with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. Being part of a multinational team promotes creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding, all vital in today's global business landscape.

How did your job search in the Netherlands look like?

I approached my job search in the Netherlands methodically, starting with extensive research on scholarship opportunities and internship programmes on university websites and job portals. I specifically targeted scholarships with mentorship programmes to gain an advantage and build a professional network during my master studies. 

And with success: I was fortunate to receive the NN Future Matters Scholarship, which funded my studies and included a mentorship programme from the company. Towards the end of my studies, I proposed conducting my master's thesis on a business case in collaboration with NN Group, an idea warmly embraced by both the company and my supervisor. This experience allowed me to gain extensive knowledge about the company and build a strong network. The scholarship and my decision to do my master thesis with the company helped me secure my first role at NN Group.  

How did you experience the interview process?

The interview process in the Netherlands is generally structured and thorough. Employers often conduct multiple rounds of interviews, focusing on both technical skills and cultural fit. As a candidate, you should expect behavioural/HR questions alongside technical assessments such as a writing assignment for communications roles.

What advice would you like to give to ESHCC students entering the labour market soon? 

In the Dutch labour market, personal connections and networking play a significant role in finding job opportunities and advancing your career. Therefore, I encourage students to actively participate in networking events, join professional associations, and leverage online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in their field of interest. Building and maintaining relationships with peers, alumni, mentors, and industry professionals can provide valuable insights, advice, and potential job leads. Don't hesitate to reach out to your network for opportunities, or advice on navigating the job market.

Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work can greatly enhance your options and help you stand out to potential employers. Another way to increase your chances of catching the attention of employers is to customise your CV and cover letter for each application as it demonstrates your specific qualifications and genuine interest in the role. 

Finally, staying informed about industry trends, job market demands, and skill requirements is crucial for adapting and positioning yourself competitively in the labour market. Continuous learning and development will be essential throughout your career journey. Proficiency in Dutch, for instance, can further broaden your options, especially for Dutch agencies or those involving client interaction in the Netherlands. 

Want to connect?

If you're interested in connecting or learning more about my journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn. As a former ambassador of the faculty, I continue to support students who are interested in studying or working in the Netherlands.

Before starting the master programme Media, Culture & Society in 2020, Nicole already knew she wanted to work in the Netherlands after graduation. And so happened! Since June 2022 she is coordinating different marketing strategies internationally and improving the Employer Branding internally and externally at Picnic Technologies. Nicole: “I'm passionate about my role as Recruitment Communications Coordinator, because it allows me to be in close contact with our Supply Chain colleagues, while learning from top practices in the retail sector! As part of my role, I also conduct research efforts with employees to make sure our communication efforts are as effective as possible. That requires a set of skills that I was able to develop thanks to my master’s.” 

How did you land in your current role as Recruitment Communications Coordinator at Picnic Technologies?

When I was still an Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing Intern at Signify, I saw one of Picnic's adorable electrical vehicles ride in my city. It sparked my interest, so I started researching the company, their values and contribution on a societal and ecological level. Coincidentally, they were looking for someone to strengthen their Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing efforts; an area I had already fallen in love with thanks to my internship! After applying and meeting the team in person, everything was a great fit. 

What is your experience with finding a job in the Netherlands?

I decided to look for an internship right after submitting my master thesis, since I knew a company could hire me as a student intern, and then extend my contract with the orientation year visa. In that search, I felt the competition in the Marketing field was quite fierce, mainly due to my lack of professional experience, but also given that I did not speak fluent Dutch at that time. I mainly used LinkedIn to look for my roles, but I also sent open applications to companies that resonated with my personal values. The main challenge I faced, like many internationals, is that working in Communications/ Marketing often requires excellent Dutch skills. Because my mind was (and continues to be) set on surpassing that obstacle, I enrolled in Dutch lessons since I arrived three years ago, and now I can thankfully see the fruit of that effort!

In what way have extracurricular activities next to your studies helped you in your career orientation/ application process?

While I was studying, I worked different side jobs in which I had to speak Dutch. That certainly set the basis to start learning the language next to my courses with the municipality. Moreover, my internship with a very well-known Dutch company helped me gain significant insights into the Marketing field within Europe, so I definitely recommend being open to an internship as part of your study period! 

How do you feel working as an international alumna in a company in the Netherlands?

I am very fortunate to work in a very international company, while being supported by my Dutch colleagues in my journey with the Dutch language. There is always room for growth and for me to contribute from my experience living and working in other countries in Latin America.

What is your advice to international students who are seeking a job in the Netherlands? 

I would recommend that you thoroughly inform yourself about the visa possibilities offered by the government, as companies will often have more questions than answers in this regard. Also, I advise you to stay open to job opportunities outside the Randstad: competition can be less strenuous there, than in bigger cities. Besides, The Netherlands is a beautiful country, so you can also experience other sides of its culture by visiting regions like Zeeland or Limburg.

Back to school

When I was forced to work from home in 2020 (along with many others), something started to gnaw at me: I wanted to go back to school. I wanted to learn about communication and media on a more academic level and related to societal issues. That is why I decided to follow the master programme Media, Culture & Society at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). 

Looking back at my study programme, the thing I enjoyed most was the freedom we had in the choice of paper topics. This allowed me to delve deeper into material that interested me the most: related to equity and media. This interest was further sparked by the EUR Master Honours Programme: Tackling Inequalities. Through a combination of the master and honours programme I have met a lot of different interesting, friendly, and inspiring people - both the students and the staff of EUR. 

The perfect mix

At the time I was writing my thesis, I started to get slightly anxious and also excited about what to do next. When I saw the vacancy of Community Manager at the Municipality of Rotterdam, I knew straight away I wanted to apply for it. It was the perfect mix between the experience and expertise I had already gained in previous work and in the masters programme, as well as my ambitions to work for the local government and someday have a positive impact on the world. As a community manager I am responsible for the local Facebook and Instagram pages of four areas in Rotterdam. The goal is to help people in finding their way to any help they may possibly need. For instance, if they want to organise something for their neighbourhood, or if they need financial support. On the other hand, it is also key to provide content people are interested in. 

Transparent communication

Because my study programme focused so much on equity, I have learned to look at governmental communication through this perspective as well. In times of low government trust, it is up to us to communicate in a transparent way. Moreover, I want to communicate in a way that speaks to all ‘Rotterdammers’. Therefore, our aim is always to word every message as clearly as possible. The Honours Programme also helped me a lot in coming to understand the possibilities and struggles local governments have to deal with. During my time at EUR, I have learned a lot about the power of clear and transparent communication. 

‘Toen ik een half jaar moest overbruggen tussen mijn Bachelor Communicatie- en Informatiewetenschappen en de Master Media & Cultuur kwam ik via- via bij Universal Music terecht. Er ging een wereld voor me open en ik ontdekte daar dat ik communicatie, en juist ook de commerciële kant hiervan, echt heel leuk vind.

Ik heb mijn afstudeeronderzoek in Argentinië gedaan en vanuit daar gesolliciteerd. Bij terugkomst deed Warner Music mij een aanbod. Op de avond voor mijn eerste werkdag leverde ik mijn scriptie in, dat sloot naadloos aan. Daarna kwam ik bij Viacom International Media Networks terecht, waar ik nu verantwoordelijk ben voor de marketing van Comedy Central Duitsland/Zwitserland/Oostenrijk. Ik bekijk de programmering en bepaal hoe we bepaalde programma’s gaan promoten. Het is echt marketing in de breedste zin van het woord, heel uitdagend en veelzijdig.

Huidige studenten zou ik aan willen raden om te proberen erachter te komen waar je hart ligt. Ikzelf heb er tijdens mijn studie altijd veel dingen naast gedaan, al realiseer ik me dat dit tijdens de Master best lastig is omdat die pittig is. Maar juist aan die nevenactiviteiten heb ik veel gehad. Probeer je echt zoveel mogelijk naast je studie te ontwikkelen. Zo kom je er ook achter wat je leuk vindt en dan kun je komen waar je wilt komen. Daardoor ga ik elke dag met heel veel plezier naar mijn werk.'

Why did you choose the Master Media and Business? Was it a conscious choice for a specific career path? What other factors contributed to your decision?
I was always interested in corporate communications during my Bachelor in Communication and Media (IBCoM), and was looking for a master programme to specialize in that field. I talked to the teachers and students of the Media and Business programme to learn more about the content. They told me about the programme’s focus on practical skills that I could fall back on when I would enter a company, which was what I was looking for. Basically, that is why I chose this programme.

Has the Media and Business programme lived up to your expectations?
Yes, definitely. It includes a lot of corporate case studies, which prepare you for life after university.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
It took me two months. It was a full-time commitment: every day I got up at nine and sent out applications until six. It’s definitely a full-time job to apply for a full-time job, which I think is something that people tend to forget. You need to search actively and be on top of things all the time. 

For which organization or company do you currently work, and what is your position in the company or organization?
I work for Shell, as an External Relations Advisor.

How did you find your first job?
I was always thinking of applying to Shell, as it was definitely in my top five of companies I want to work for. However, I thought a job at Shell might be too technical for me, as I don’t really know much about chemicals or engineering. But then I talked to a few recruiters who encouraged me to apply, as they thought I would be a good fit for the company. The application process was just like any other large company: you apply on their website, you go through a whole process where they break you down and build you back up. I made it through five application rounds, and got the job.

What are your most prominent tasks?
I work for internal communications so I work inside the company, explaining and communicating to employees. Because Shell is such a massive company, the internal communications team is quite large as well. My clients consist out of different departments throughout the company. I am involved with setting up internal campaigns and organizing communications on a strategic and practical level. It’s been a very steep learning curve. Communications is not an exact science, so it’s important to know your audience well to get the message across.

Which components of your Master are useful in your current position or career trajectory?
Essay writing came in very handy, and was a really good way to prepare for a job like this. The writing component of Media and Business definitely prepared me for working in corporate communications. I need to be a chameleon, and write in different styles for different audiences.

Any advice for new graduates?
I think it’s really important to not become desperate throughout the job application process. I know that looking for a job can really crush your spirit, but it is important that you don’t let that happen. There are jobs out there. You might not get exactly what you set out for, but in the end you will get there. It’s just a matter of time.