From Media University to work life: Graduate Till Theißen about his job as a Senior Visual Editor

02/17/2020

Till Theißen graduated from Media University Berlin in 2017. Currently, he is working as a Senior Visual Editor at the social media agency Storymachine. In the interview he shares his personal experiences after graduating. Moreover, he provides useful advice for fellow students who would like to work in the field of media and design.

Till Theißen, graduate of B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication

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

Room 2.08.

You acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Communication at Media University Berlin. What is your current job position?

I am Senior Visual Editor at a social media agency based in Berlin.

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

During my studies I gained some initial experience in smaller agencies. After my graduation I worked on my own projects. Later I started to work as a designer at Stan Hema (Branding agency) followed by some months as a freelance designer. I also worked as an Editorial Designer for the Focus magazine. Currently I am working as a Senior Visual Editor at the agency Storymachine.

When did you figure out your preferred career path? How much was your choice influenced by the compulsory internship?

At the beginning of my studies I had a basic idea of my future field of work. I was then able to pinpoint my wishes further in the following years. Telling visual stories – that’s still what I am aiming for. However, I am quite flexible concerning the form and I am still searching for it. I mainly used the internship to gain more general work experience.

Why did you decide to study “Graphic Design and Visual Communication”? And what made you choose Media University Berlin?

Initially, I planned to study photography. However, I opted for a broader subject as I was actually fascinated by every form of visual communication. Thus, B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication seemed the perfect fit. During the application process the university considers many factors not just grades which I really liked.

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

The study program provided me with fundamental knowledge of design and specifically concept design. At least once a day I am looking at one of my designs while I am hearing Prof. Müller’s voice in my head asking: “Does this really work?”

What are your plans for the future?

My present work is already busy enough.

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

I always love to create something new. It is a lot of fun but also very challenging.

You finished your studies in 2017. Could you tell us more about the application phase after your graduation?

It took much longer than expected and sometimes I was quite frustrated. I think that there are many jobs in Berlin which opens up a lot of possibilities. However, picking the one that suits you best might take time.

What would you tell fellow students that study at Media University?

Don’t wait for people to tell you what to do – just try out as much as possible. My best times I had in room 2.08 at night working on extra-curricular projects such as Der Filter and GIFilter.

Which characteristics should students have that want to study „B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication“?

You should really be into graphic design and visual communication and set high standards for yourself. Usually, it is very hard to find a nine-to-five job.

Mr. Theißen, thank you very much for the interview and for sharing your experiences with us. We wish you all the best for the future!

Till Theißen has worked as an Editorial Designer for the well-known news magazine Focus.