Sina Schanz, B.A.
Current job:
Strategic Program Manager for the global WhatsApp Business Support
Studies in Mannheim:
Media and Communication Studies
Highest degree:
Bachelor's
Career
During my bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies, I focused very much on journalism. I was a reporter at the student radio and completed the mandatory internship at Südwestrundfunk (SWR), a regional public broadcasting corporation. During another internship in corporate communications, I became interested in marketing and project management. I graduated in 2014 and worked in digital marketing at dm-drogerie markt for three and a half years. First, I was responsible for the local communication of the branches and then for the digital channels and the customer program app. Today, I live in San Francisco and work as Strategic Program Manager at WhatsApp.
Tips for starting your career
I recommend that students gain a lot of practical experience during the program. The program in Media and Communication Studies provides students with boundless options – and you must not forget that an internship can also show you which professional path you do not want to take. In addition, internships are a way to prove yourself to a company and you are already on the radar for open positions.
I would also advise students to remain courageous and curious. Every company has processes that have been in place for a long time. Questioning these in a positive way and suggesting new ideas is worthwhile and can open up new opportunities.
Relevance of the studied program
From media history to research on the exposure to and effects of media use, the program in Media and Communication Studies is very diverse. We have acquired extensive theoretical and methodical knowledge. I was well prepared for my first job in corporate communications because I knew how to process media content in various situations. This knowledge still helps me today. The many hands-on formats also helped me with professional orientation. Working at the student radio was a special highlight of my time at university. I moderated shows and interviewed public figures. The program is very diverse so that the people from my university network are now working in journalism, advertising, public relations, or the film industry.
Stand: August 2025
Credit: Carter Hollinger