What makes an attractive employer brand? And how can this be achieved? As People Communication Manager, Alejandra Mosquera deals with these and other employer branding issues. She told us more about her successful career start and the biggest challenges she faced during her studies (M.A. in International Marketing and Media Management) at the Media University in an interview.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Media University?
I moved to Berlin in September 2019 and was really looking forward to university life, but we were confronted with the pandemic after the first semester. At the beginning of my studies, my biggest challenge was adapting to the academic level of the university. I had a background in political science and had worked as an entrepreneur for the four years before my Master’s degree. That required a lot of learning. And as I mentioned, the pandemic brought some additional challenges as we had to adapt to taking courses online and having little social contact.
You successfully completed your M.A. in International Marketing and Media Management. What do you work as now?
I currently work as a People Communication Manager at a financial software company. My main focus is on building and strengthening the company’s employer brand. I also provide support with general internal communication projects.
What do you particularly like about your work and what is challenging?
What I enjoy most in my current position are the tasks that allow me to be creative and take a look behind the scenes of the company on social media. The area of employer branding is currently facing many challenges. It’s not just about connecting with the people who follow you on social media, but also with the people who work for the company. Being able to tell their stories and learn more about their experiences at the company is very fulfilling.
In addition, I have always been interested in graphic design, so I enjoy tasks where I can express my creativity in the form of design and graphics. One of the biggest challenges in my job is getting employees to embrace the employer brand and be brand ambassadors for the company they work for.
Did you already gain practical experience before starting your career that you would like to share with us?
Before I graduated, I worked as a student trainee at a sports nutrition company for about a year and a half. That was also a great experience and I enjoyed working for the company. Unfortunately, my working student position did not match my career goals, and at the time of my graduation, there were no openings in the field I was aiming for.
Why did you choose the M.A. International Marketing and Media Management program back then? And why did you decide to study at the Media University?
I had several options that I applied to and was accepted for, but after looking at the program at Media University, it was one of the most comprehensive. I didn’t want to do an “express” master’s like many universities offer these days, which can be completed in a year or less. The opportunity to work while studying was also very attractive. And last but not least, I did my exchange year here in Germany in 2007 and fell in love with Berlin. I really love this city and everything it has to offer.
What are your plans for the future?
After almost two years of the pandemic and getting through my Master’s thesis, I am now fully immersed in working life and the new challenges that come with it. I’m looking forward to new projects at work and what I’ll learn in the future. I also had to postpone some travel plans due to Covid, which I would very much like to put into practice.
What advice would you give to students who decide to study in Germany/at the Media University?
Take part in as many activities as possible, enjoy the process and accept the challenge. Use the tasks set to explore topics that pique your curiosity.
Alejandra Mosquera
Don’t be afraid to ask the lecturers for help if you get stuck with a particular topic. Winter in Germany can be a tough time of year, but it’s worth waiting for summer. Have fun in Berlin!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We wish you all the best for your future!
