"The most valuable experience: Thinking outside of the box!"

Why did you choose to become part of the IMS program?

It was always my dream to continue my higher education somewhere in Europe. In 2012, I interned with Deutsche Welle and stayed in Bonn for one month. Thus, I was already familiar with Bonn and the institution itself. The description of the IMS programme also seemed suitable for my further professional development.           

Which career path did you take since graduating from the International Media Studies program?

I was able to keep my previous position during the studies. The university I work in provides distant e-learning for some courses. This gave me the possibility to combine the IMS with my job of a distant e-learning tutor. After coming back to Ukraine, I returned to my position.

Which of the skills you have acquired in the program do you apply in your work practice?

I mostly apply skills related to new media – for example mobile journalism, usage of social media in journalism and practical skills such as video shooting and editing. Also different statistical methods of media studies are helpful for my work.

Tell us about the experiences you gained through taking part in the International Media Studies program.

The most valuable experience of the IMS programme is communication people from different countries and continents. The possibility to think out of my own "mind box" (sometimes national, sometimes personal), opens new horizons and ways of dealing with different media problems in the home country.

How would you describe the current media situation in your home country?

Ukraine has a developed media system, but currently it faces financial difficulties connected to the general level of the Ukrainian economy. For example, advertising revenues in the sector are scarce and poor and cannot provide sustainability to all media outlets in the country. As a result, often media are dependant and cannot provide their recipients with balanced content of high quality.

Is there anything you would like to share with future IMS students and graduates?

Every single day of the IMS program is an opportunity to open your mind for new ideas and points of view. The world around us is too diverse to waste this opportunity. Be ready to listen, to watch and to see.