Full-time job: fashion blogger

After completing her Bachelor's degree in Information, Media & Communication at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, student Barbara Macinkovic didn't let up: "I was interested in and applied for the advanced Master's degree programme straight after completing my Bachelor's degree in 2015, but it wasn't enough for me to be accepted back then. A few exciting professional years later, it worked out!"

The internship at D, M & B in "Strategic Planning" during her bachelor's degree opened many doors for her and gave her a great start in the world of work. She went straight from the advertising agency to the start-up world as Influencer Manager (later Head of Marketing) at SWELL. "I learnt a lot during my two years in the start-up industry and am very grateful for this instructive and completely crazy time. One of the highlights here was the 4Gamechangers Award, which our team won in 2017." She then returned to traditional consulting at the digital agency Netural, where she was able to support clients such as Swarovski Kristallwelten & W&H.

Despite her already extensive professional experience in the media world, Barbara decided to gain a higher qualification: "The media industry is super fast-moving and I wanted to take the opportunity to further deepen my knowledge in my specialist area with a Master's degree in Information Media Communication.

As a content creator / social media consultant, I not only need my own creativity, but also the right skills and a good network. This Master's programme is ideal for this.

The excursions, such as to the Republica media trade fair in Berlin and the SOFA Magazine student project, are highlights of her degree programme.

Professionally, she ventured into self-employment in July 2019: "I've been working as a freelance blogger and social media consultant since July 2019 and blog regularly at www.barbaramac.at. Over the past year in particular, I've been able to build up my community on Instagram and work with brands such as VERO MODA and Peek & Cloppenburg. Blogging takes a lot of courage and perseverance. I know that many people work a full/part-time job for a very long time alongside blogging, but for me personally it didn't work very well as my energy always went into my job. I'm very happy with this step and am looking forward to the new challenges. No risk, no fun."

Barbara's dream job as a blogger came true. She describes her day-to-day work as follows "I work from home or wherever there is good internet. I attend events or meetings for new projects, answer emails and the rest of the time is spent on content production and post-processing. For example, I took a free course in Adobe Premiere Pro during my Master's degree and have been enthusiastic about producing videos ever since."

Her tip: "I think it's important to try things out in life. You quickly realise which "one thing" it always leads you back to - for me, it's always been blogging." She has the following advice for all those who would like to apply for the Master's degree programme in Information Media Communication:

Take time to prepare your application portfolio and present yourself with confidence - you can do it! :-)