Warda Imran, a student in the MA in Digital Journalism program (before winter semester 2020: MA in Convergent Journalism), is about to start her traineeship at Deutsche Welle in Bonn. But before she packs her bags, we talked to her again about her favorite moments and experiences at the Media University, her work at the Talent Campus Video workshop, and her student life in Berlin.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Media University?
When I think of my time at the Media University, the first thing that comes to mind is the red brick building on Ackerstraße, which has become the scene of many unforgettable and happy moments.
Why did you choose the M.A. Digital Journalism program? And why did you choose Media University Berlin?
I was looking for a program that would suit my needs. I was looking for a combination of theory and field practice and I am really glad that I found exactly that. I learned a lot about video and audio editing and production – something that was completely foreign to me. The term ‚convergent‘ in the name of the program was what really caught my attention. After looking at many degree programs in the EU and in Germany, I finally chose the Media University. This particular course of studies simply appealed to me and inspired me.
Did you gain any work experience before or during your master’s degree that you would like to tell us about?
Yes, I worked at the news desk of one of Pakistan’s leading English newspapers and worked in the field of national online and offline news. I was part of the team that led the coverage of the 2018 Pakistani elections, which lasted more than 40 hours. I felt it was important to gain practical knowledge in the field that inspired me, and I worked at the News Desk for almost two years before finally saying goodbye to go to Germany.
Which seminar/project did you like best so far?
This is a difficult question, mainly because I really enjoyed the challenges and achievements of all the projects we did. I think I liked our coverage of re:publica 2019 mainly because it was an amazing conference and I met many important influential people from around the world. I also really enjoyed the Talent Campus Video workshop because I was a multimedia newbie when I came to the Media University. Thanks to the seminars and the impulses from our professors, I can now implement a lot more than before.
What was it like to be a participant in the Talent Campus_Video workshop? What did you like best?
There was one particular day when Jost Listemann taught us how to shoot different angles of a person going down a staircase, depending on the tone and context you want to give to the scene. It was so difficult to capture the right way of telling a story, and it was so satisfying when we finally got it right. I think that’s the moment I’ll always remember, because Jost was so patient with us and encouraged us to experiment. It was really fun.
The program is fantastic and it was quite a difficult task to get into the top ten.
Warda Imran
What is life like in Berlin? Has it been easy for you to settle in? Would you like to stay here?
Oh, I just love Berlin. When I moved, winter had just started, so the first months were hard when you come from a hot country where the temperature is between 29 and 38 degrees. But it’s a fantastic city. There’s nothing you can’t find here. I would love to stay here. But I will pack my bags and move to Bonn for a year!
What are your plans for the future? Do you want to become a full-time journalist?
Yes, that’s the plan! My traineeship at Deutsche Welle starts in January. So I’m very, very excited. The program is fantastic and it was quite a challenge to get into the top ten. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made everything so difficult and chaotic. That’s why I’m very grateful that more consistency is finally coming into my life again and that this exciting project is waiting for me.
Wherever you come from in the world, it takes a while to get used to the cultural differences. But you just have to muddle through and be brave.
Warda Imran
What advice do you have for students who decide to study in Germany/at the Media University?
There is a lot of advice I could give, but I think the best one is: do a lot of research, be prepared and figure out what you want. If you do these three things before you move to Germany, the transition will go smoothly. Wherever you come from in the world, it takes a while to get used to the cultural differences. But you just have to muddle through and be Settling in at the Media University, I would say, is very easy because the professors are great and there is always a lot going on. You definitely won’t get bored here. The Media University enabled me to get a student job at DW Documentaries in 2018 – and I will always be grateful for that.
What qualities should students in your degree program have?
Always stay up to date (it’s not hard!), step out of your comfort zone to experiment with different things. Be empathetic but critical of your surroundings and ask a lot of questions! As long as you do that, you’ll be fine.
Thank you for the interesting conversation. We wish you all the best for your career start at Deutsche Welle!
