What is it like to study Corporate Communication?
Sakurako Umezawa, Japan
Why did you choose this track?
After my Bachelor’s in Tokyo, I decided to move to Amsterdam to enjoy life in this small, cute city. Corporate Communication was always my first choice because the track offers insights into both internal and external communication of organizations.
How has this track helped you develop?
From employees’ social media use and diversity policies in the organization to stakeholder management and CSR communication, in this track, I acquired extensive knowledge of how organizations can strategically survive the current rapidly changing environment.
Other things you want to mention about your track:
This track, as other communication tracks at the UvA, attracts students from all around the world - from Europe, Asia, North and South America. Meeting these motivated and inspiring people has broadened my view of the world and of different cultures. I am sure that it will help me to work in multinational companies in the future.
Tim Zuidberg, The Netherlands
Your track in one sentence:
The track provides knowledge on how organisations use communicative efforts to gain a solid reputation, engage with stakeholders, adapt to change and handle crisis situations.
How has this track helped you develop?
I have learned what kind of tools organisations can use to shape their image but also about potential communication challenges and crises an organization might face and how to deal with them. This track has also provided me with insights into organisational culture, change and diversity.
Other things you want to mention about your track:
In my experience lecturers have been extremely professional, really encouraging students to work on the material and to be active in class discussions.
Chinmay Brahme, India
Why did you choose this track?
Having worked as a journalist and then as a communication manager for a couple of conglomerates, I felt that a deeper understanding of the complexity of communication would help me grow as a communication professional. This track was attractive to me due to its high intensity, attention to details and applying communication researches to real life scenarios.
What do you plan to do in the future with what you’ve learned in the courses?
In the future I would love to design communication strategies that are well thought-out and executable. I believe that this interactive learning process, one that has focussed on application, will play a decisive role in the professional world. I hope it will provide me the aptitude to think on my feet, consider multiple perspectives, and make an informed choice when dealing with communication matters in the corporate world.
What do you recommend future students of this track?
I would recommend this track to students who are interested in forging a career in corporate communication, both internal and external. While the course is intensive and the workload is high, the takeaways from this course are well-suited to the demands that most employers place on communication professionals. Students interested in communication can sharpen their skills, gain new ones, and also acquire a contemporary perspective which can be a massive asset once it is time to enter the job market.