Antonia Bauer, BA

Why did you decide to study Digital Media Design (BA) at our university?

I chose this degree programme because it offers a good mix of creative and technical knowledge. The practical aspect was particularly important to me, as I wanted to not only learn theory but also actively implement projects. I also loved the fact that the university is well equipped – especially in the field of film, we were able to work with professional equipment without having to purchase expensive materials ourselves.

What were your career goals when you started your studies?

Even before I started my studies, I was relatively sure that I wanted to go into film editing. Nevertheless, I wanted to try out different directions first to make sure that it was really the right thing for me. The variety of modules helped me to confirm this, but also to discover new perspectives.

Did your career aspirations change during your studies? If so, how?

Not fundamentally, but the programme helped me to further hone my strengths. The practical projects in particular allowed me to see how work in different media areas really works – whether on a film set, in post-production or in game development. This not only confirmed my desire to work as a video editor, but also taught me which areas I am less interested in.

How would you describe the atmosphere at Dresden University of Applied Sciences?

Very pleasant and friendly! Precisely because the university isn't huge, you get to know your lecturers and fellow students well, which makes it easier to exchange ideas. It was always a relaxed but productive atmosphere. You never had to worry, because you knew that there was a solution to every problem. Even when I started my studies during the coronavirus pandemic and a lot of things were done online, everything was well organised so that you could still connect with others. Everyone is also super helpful, both during and after your studies.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome during your studies, and how did you deal with them?

It was a big challenge for me to work in completely technical areas such as programming and game development, as I had no previous experience in these fields and had to start from scratch. Thanks to the excellent support from the lecturers, however, I was able to make rapid progress, and I even ended up enjoying these subjects because there were always practical applications and I never felt left alone. We also had really nice fellow students in the course who were happy to help when things got tough :)

How did you finance your studies, and what tips can you give in this regard?

Studying isn't cheap, that's for sure, but with a little planning it's quite doable. I financed part of it with part-time jobs and later through my internship and my working student job, and my parents also supported me. The good thing is that you have enough time to work alongside your studies, so you always have a good work-life balance. I would definitely recommend finding a part-time job early on – that way you have enough time to enjoy life, you become more independent and you have a clear advantage when looking for a job later on because you already have work experience.

Which projects or modules were particularly influential for you?

I particularly enjoyed the practice-oriented modules, especially the team projects. The free project in the sixth semester, in which we made our own short film in a group of four, was definitely a highlight because we were able to get really creative and at the same time go through the entire process from planning to the finished film. I also found the game development modules exciting because they gave me a new perspective on interactive media.

What was your most memorable experience during your studies?

The film shoot was definitely one of the highlights because we gained so much experience and really worked as a team. But also the time spent with my fellow students, the joint projects and the exchanges made my studies unforgettable.

What was your first career step after graduation?

Since finishing my studies, I have been working as a video editor at Sky Sport News in Munich. Entering the professional world can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it is definitely doable. I can only recommend that everyone gain as much practical experience as possible during their studies – whether through projects, part-time jobs or the knowledge gained from courses. A good portfolio can make all the difference and open many doors. Those who remain committed and curious to learn have the best chances of gaining a foothold in the industry.

How did our university's network help you during or after your studies?

The contacts I made during my studies definitely helped me. Whether through lecturers with practical experience or through exchanges with fellow students, there are always opportunities to get good information, advice and recommendations.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in "Digital Media Design (B.A.)"?

I would advise them to be open to different areas. Even if you already have an idea of where you want to go professionally, it's worth trying out other fields. You should also gain practical experience early on, whether through internships, working student jobs or your own projects. This not only helps you during your studies, but also when you start your career later on.

Where are you currently in your career and what are your goals for the future?

I am currently in the process of moving from Sky to ProSieben and have definitely found my place in post-production. I see myself continuing in this field and am working on becoming even more proficient with various editing programmes. In the future, I would like to gradually take on more responsibility in the editing field, whether in creative design or in management roles. I have arrived exactly where I always wanted to be and am looking forward to developing further and taking on new challenges in post-production.