International Bachelor Communication and Media

Creating your perfect academic experience

As a second-year Communication and Media student here at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, I can now confidently say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The programme initially appealed to me because of the broad perspective, combined with the opportunity to tailor a significant part of the curriculum in the second year. With my focus area in 'Communication and Business' and two electives from Rotterdam School of Management, I have been able to create an academic experience that perfectly fits my needs. 

Hands-on approach 

One of the most engaging aspects of IBCoM is the hands-on approach through communication workshops that take place from the second year onwards. In the Digital Content course, for example, I developed a marketing campaign for an event at the Kunsthal. Moreover, the possibility of doing an internship at the end of the second year is great. These practical experiences prepare you for real-world applications of communication theories. 

Tackling challenges & opportunities 

At the beginning of my studies, I struggled with effectively learning the large volume of theoretical content. To tackle this, I switched from making summaries to creating flashcards weekly. This method helped me stay on top of the material without feeling overwhelmed. Beyond academics, I highly recommend joining at least one student association. I am an active member of ACE, the association especially for ESHCC students (of which IBCoM is a part). Additionally, I am part of Passing Shot, the tennis association, which regularly organizes fun events.

IBCoM is the perfect fit for you if you have a broad interest in communication and/ or media-related topics and would like to gain practical experience while delving into complex theories. 

Finding the right programme

I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do in the future: Something related to Journalism. But, as many people are, I wasn’t 100% certain on that career. I also didn’t consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism, as if I ever had a change of heart, I would’ve wasted 3 years of education. That’s when I stumbled upon IBCoM. It offered me the perfect balance between studying key theoretical aspects of communication but also using practical case studies and assignments to understand how media shapes and influences societies. This combination gives me a solid groundwork for my journalistic career but also gives me the opportunity to work in other fields if I want to.

Choosing your own path

As I mentioned before, the aspect of diversity is what I find different compared to any other study programmes here at EUR. The fact that one term we can be studying social sciences but also analyzing media systems across countries and even uncovering communication challenges within organisations gives it all the diversity you need. And this is also true when we pick specialisations in Year 2 and even branch out to other programmes through electives.

Adapting to a new environment 

The biggest struggle I’ve encountered is the need to adapt to a new environment. Being an international and having lived in many countries, it’s always a challenge, but over time, you get used to the new environment, and you start to embrace it. Being open to new experiences is what allowed me to go out there and learn new skills, including academics.

Meet ESHCC alumna Anastasia Tumchenok. She graduated in 2018 from the International Bachelor Communication and Media (IBCoM). After completing her studies, she started her professional career in the Netherlands. Anastasia reflects on the IBCoM programme and shares her career experiences.

You are an international alumna working in the Netherlands. What is your experience with finding a job in the Netherlands?

Job hunting in the Netherlands as an international graduate has its 'unique challenges'. It largely depends on the industry you want to work in, but the language and networking nuances are ever-present. The first and foremost advice I would give to current students is to try and get as much work experience as possible. Start preferably during your studies with an internship, part-time job, or freelance position, as it will be more difficult to find a job when you are leaving university with a blank CV. 

My job search approach involved extensive research on companies with a global outlook and a strong brand presence, that would see an international candidate as an asset rather than nuisance. I tailored my CV and cover letters to fit each role, applied meticulously and invested time in LinkedIn networking. Finding a job did take persistence and time, but building a strong professional network and demonstrating my adaptability played a big role in landing interviews and eventually, my first full-time job in Digital Marketing & Communications at Polette, an eyewear scale-up brand.

Since March 2022 you are working as a Senior Global Brand Marketing Specialist at Karl Lagerfeld. Can you tell us what a day in the office at Karl Lagerfeld looks like?

In my current role, I manage end-to-end seasonal brand activations, product marketing projects, and overseeing brand partnerships/collaborations and market launch processes, which includes briefing creative projects and a lot of cross-functional collaboration across departments. On top of that, I am also leading all corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives, aligning our campaigns with impactful brand stories. 

A typical day in the office involves a lot of calls, emails and presentation-making while planning a seasonal launch, coordinating with dozens of teams, finalising briefs for upcoming projects, managing cross-functional roll outs, or sometimes being on set for the shoots. I really love my job, especially because of the diversity of projects, the incredibly talented people I get to work with, and the opportunity to be a part of impactful campaigns that resonate globally.

Which elements of the IBCoM programme prove to be valuable – or have helped you – in your career?

The exposure to so many different cultures and the boost it gave to my communication skills, the applicable knowledge of media & communications, group projects with real-life cases, critical thinking built through engaging seminars, adaptability that was fostered every step of the way, the list goes on...

Overall, the interdisciplinary focus of IBCoM has been incredibly beneficial- the well-rounded foundation in theory & practice has been crucial to building a solid foundation for any potential growth or success throughout my career path.

What advice would you give to recent international IBCoM graduates entering the (Dutch) labour market?

Embrace a global mindset and try to work on building a versatile skill set. Networking is key! Connecting with alumni, attending industry events, and actively engaging on platforms like LinkedIn can truly open doors. Being proactive in seeking internships or freelance opportunities is also invaluable, as it helps build practical experience and credibility, and you really need that, no matter how wonderful your study programme was.

Additionally, since many companies value language skills, learning Dutch or even another language can be a major asset in the job market - you can genuinely see the importance of having several languages at your disposal, especially in our increasingly more connected world. Do focus on your international background - bringing a unique perspective to the table is a strength.

David Joon graduated from the International Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (IBCoM) at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication in 2022. After his studies, he joined the European Parliament, working as an external contractor in DG COMM's Strategy and Innovation Unit. This might not be a field of work you would immediately think of working in with an IBCoM degree. In a short interview, he reflects on the IBCoM programme and explains his interest in working for a European institution. Do you read along?

Why did you choose to study IBCoM and what do you remember most from this study programme?

I chose to study IBCoM because of the international character of the study programme: studying with fellow international students, about topics and themes with a global perspective. I was already interested in communication before I started my bachelor programme, but only discovered during my studies how communication is more than just simple marketing, namely: an art with many forms. What has stayed with me most is precisely that variety of perspectives, topics and themes, and the freedom in the programme to choose what I wanted to learn in years 2 and 3.

How did you find out what you wanted to do after studying IBCoM?  

During IBCoM I discovered that I was very interested in the European Union, in particular in the question of communicating such a complex machine in an understandable and accessible way to people from 27 different countries. Since I was able to select my subjects in such a way that I could study what seemed interesting and useful to me, I ended up choosing mainly subjects dealing with political communication. So for me it was already quite clear in which direction I wanted to go after my studies. But even if you don't know what you want to do later, IBCoM is a good study programme, because you have a wide range of subjects that allows you to discover step by step what suits you and what doesn't.

Can you tell us something about your work at the Directorate-General for Communication in the European Parliament?

Shortly after my studies, I had the opportunity to do an internship in the communication department of the European Parliament in Brussels. Here I experienced the most interesting period from a communications perspective: the institutional campaign to inform the 350+ million voting European citizens about the 2024 European elections, and to convince them of the importance of using their vote. After my internship, I was given the opportunity to continue working in my team as an external contractor, which I have been doing for a year now. I am currently working with my team to prepare the communication strategy for the next five years - super interesting! In doing this and other tasks, I greatly benefit from the strategic thinking on mass communication, intercultural sensitivities, and writing skills that I developed during IBCoM.

Finally, do you have any tips for current IBCoM students who will soon enter the job market?

My most important piece of advice, perhaps a bit of a cliché, is to follow your heart! Do what makes you happy, and what gives you satisfaction. It's a bonus if what makes you happy does not only help yourself, but also others, or society as a whole.  

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

Rather than studying straight after school, I decided to enter the workforce immediately and travel for a few years. When I finally decided to give university a go, I spent a lot of time researching bachelor's of communication worldwide. Quickly I realised that IBCoM here at EUR was the ideal course for me.

What do you find most interesting about IBCoM?

What first caught my eye was the emphasis put on fostering a global mindset within the IBCoM community. This is not seen only through the theory we study, but it is genuinely put into practice. Study materials and lecturers encourage us to explore beyond our own experiences of the world when carrying out research. From a more practical point of view, apart from the fact that most of us are international students, IBCoM provides an incredibly unique opportunity for us to live here in Rotterdam, complete an internship abroad, and spend our exchange period abroad, if we so wish!

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you deal with them?

The only worry I had before arriving, was my level of mathematics as some courses are statistics-focused. Fortunately, I found plenty of support throughout the semester and have successfully improved my research abilities. Each week we are guided through exercises and put theory into practice straight away, building our confidence as well as our skills.

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to learn about many different cultures, people and interact with them. This is an international study that not only has students from all over the world coming to study here, but also gives prospects the opportunity to delve deeper into global topics such as politics, media, business, technology and much more! Communication is another element of the study that is studied firsthand and teaches students how it is incorporated into our everyday live, the influence of it, and how it can be used to influence. 

What do you find most interesting about IBCoM?

We are given the opportunity to explore countless topics such as, social forces, business, politics, media entertainment, and more. I personally was interested in the business and media entertainment aspect and immediately fell in love with the idea of being able to further develop my knowledge of these two topics in my second year.

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you deal with them?

During my first year, a struggle that I learned to deal with was how to study. Through trial and error (failure and success come hand-in hand), I learned what the best way for me was to study, manage my time and organise myself to meet deadlines on time. All whilst enjoying my first year, making friends and exploring the beautiful, diverse, international city of Rotterdam. 

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

For me, a Dutch student, studying IBCoM at Erasmus University is like discovering the world while being close to home. The international focus of the programme was an important reason for me to choose this path. There are students from all over the world studying at Erasmus which gives you an enormous opportunity to socialize with and learn from vastly different people. 

What do you enjoy most about the IBCoM programme?

One of the things I was most surprised by when starting my studies was how incredibly kind everyone is. It is scary to start school in a completely new city but the support I got from peers made it seem strange I ever worried about these things. The atmosphere at Erasmus is very positive and students are open minded and friendly. IBCoM is a programme in which you can really be yourself and develop in areas that matter to you.

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you deal with them?

In the first year, there were a lot of different topics to cover such as research and statistics or analyzing media and pop culture. Because of this there was always a class that I enjoyed. At first I struggled a bit with the transition from highschool to university as you suddenly become completely responsible for your own time management. There are no teachers to tell you when to do your reading and when to finish your homework but after a short period of adjustment, I found it liberating to be able to do everything my own way!

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

I am interested in storytelling with a focus on the entertainment industry but also marketing and advertising. I liked the fact that Erasmus University Rotterdam is a university known outside of The Netherlands as well, and IBCoM is one of the most prestigious media related bachelors. What I really enjoy about this programme is the combinitation of theory and practise. I feel like this balanced approach of IBCoM really helps me to acquire knowledge in a most effective way.

What do you enjoy most about IBCoM?

My favourite thing about this degree is that thanks to its broader scope, I have the freedom and opportunities to explore topics and fields that I am really interested in, which helped me to discover what career path I want to follow in the future.

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you deal with them?

When I started IBCoM, I was still stuck with the mindset I acquired in high school that there are topics which are school-worthy and the ones I should not bother writing about, because they are not considered serious and they won’t get me good grades. Thankfully, with class discussions and feedback from teachers, I quickly realised it was completely invalid. I started writing about things I am actually passionate about even though they might not sound professional to some people. This resulted not only in my own satisfaction from the work I have done but also in better grades, as teachers here appreciate our engagement in the assignments as well.

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

I chose IBCoM due to the unique combination of both communication and media that make IBCoM a truly enticing program that encourages self-development and critical thinking in a variety of fields. Choosing IBCoM means that you are ready to follow an unabating academic path that provides a knowledgeable satisfaction in any following pursuits.

What do you find most interesting about IBCoM?

What I find most interesting is the learning approach that is used through many different outlets such as classic lectures, tutorials and seminars. Also, the structure of the programme itself that provides students with a chance to pursue an internship and go on exchange is quite different and appealing to me. However, the programme itself is filled with such interconnected and interesting courses that you truly have the feeling that IBCoM is a whole and not just a dispersed combination of courses.

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you dealt with them?

As an international student, the main challenge I thought I would face was integrating in the Dutch culture. Luckily the international environment at Erasmus eased my worries and incorporating myself in the social life was seamless. Any struggles that might appear along the way in IBCoM or generally Erasmus are almost unnoticeable thanks to the support provided by peers and staff.

Why did you decide to study IBCoM?

I chose IBCoM because it spoke to me in many ways, primarily because of the international environment. With truly international professors and mixed classrooms, the teaching offers so many transcending perspectives. The discussions we have are based on academic articles, which come to life during discussions. It really shows you how people have diverse perspectives, and I am learning so much from viewing the world in new ways.

What do you find most interesting about IBCoM?

Some of the moments I enjoy the most are when I walk out of a lecture full of new and wondering thoughts. IBCoM teaches you to have a critical perspective, meaning that what you learn exceeds the classroom and becomes a part of your daily thinking in life. It makes me reflect on and question things and use real-life examples in my assignments.

What kind of struggles did you encounter and how did you dealt with them?

I think one of the challenges to IBCoM is that it is so diverse. It is hard to define exactly how communication is used and how important it is, nonetheless, we all know it is a big part of human life. As I embraced more courses and met scholars, I see how many positions are offered to communication scholars and the many interesting and forceful assignments people can work with afterward. It makes me more certain that the field is valued, and that the degree can bring me many options with great potential.

IBCoM has already given me such options and taken me in an exciting direction, as I have been able to start an internship besides my studies in a consultancy firm. Later, I will be able to try this full-time since it is a part of the IBCoM curriculum too.

Finally, the city of Rotterdam supports the international spirit and offers creative people many outlooks. For me, moving abroad also meant exploring more things and places on a daily basis, without it being limited to traveling, as Rotterdam has excellent art museums and vibrant places to go.