Graduate interview: Ricarda - comedy author and podcaster
10/15/2020After graduating, Ricarda became a successful podcaster and comedy author. She proves that a degree in humanities and a career are very much possible. She was even nominated for the German Comedy Award in 2020! Ricarda studied Political and Social Studies (PSS) with us. She then worked for six years as a consultant in corporate communications. At the beginning of 2020, she changed direction and started her own business. ⠀
What did you study at the University of Würzburg?
I studied Political and Social Studies from 2008 to 2011. The Bachelor's degree programme was offered for the first time in 2008.
What is your current job?
I currently work as a comedy writer and podcaster. I also produce podcasts myself as part of my own podcast agency and create podcast concepts for corporate podcasts. I started my podcast "Busenfreundin" in mid-2018 and have released 114 episodes since then. Every week, I welcome a guest from the queer scene or people who support the LGBTIQ movement. So far, for example, I've had presenter Jochen Schropp, pop singer Kerstin Ott, author Sarah Kuttner and presenter Ruth Moschner on the podcast. However, I don't just talk to celebrities, but also to my listeners, who tell their personal stories. The conversation in the podcast is very important to me in order to create a pleasant atmosphere and take my listeners on this very intimate journey.
Which company/employer do you work for?
After my studies at the University of Würzburg, I worked for around six years as a consultant in the corporate communications department of a retail group in Cologne. I also wrote gags for comedians and TV shows in my spare time. I started my own business at the beginning of 2020 and now work full-time as a comedy writer and podcaster.
What tasks do you take on?
As an author, I write sketches, stage programmes and comedy sets. I'm also currently writing for two drama series in the fiction sector. In 2018, I founded a podcast that dealt with my homosexuality. With around 100,000 monthly views, "Busenfreundin" is currently one of the most successful queer infotainment programmes in the German-speaking world. Thanks to the experience I have gained as a podcaster and my time at a company, I advise companies on the conception of their branded podcasts.
What skills from your studies are helpful or essential for your current job?
The broad and all-round view that my degree programme gave me helps me enormously in my job. Political and social sciences are broadly based and extremely important in order to better identify socially relevant contexts. My degree in politics has often helped me in comedy and satire. My degree programme also gave me the eloquence that I learnt. This in turn helps with podcasting.
How did you acquire additional skills (e.g. workshops and seminars, internships, part-time jobs, clubs, voluntary work, traineeships, further training, etc.)?
I attended a theatre club during my studies and was a regular at the "Comedylounge" in Würzburg. I watched a lot of stand-ups there and got inspired.
Do you have any general tips for professional orientation and career planning?
It was the best degree programme I could have chosen. I can only advise all students to see where their own interests lie and develop them. Networking with other people in this scene/industry is important and soaking up all the knowledge you can get. Comedy was always my passion, but I never dared to try this "breadless art". But if you really have a love for an area, then you will automatically flourish in it.
What advice would you give to students who want to work in your industry or profession?
There are very few female comedy writers. Network, do internships on the radio or in editorial offices, tweet, start a podcast and attend the Grimme Masterclass. Female writers are desperately needed in this industry because we are still a long way from diversity here! Good luck with that! Maybe I'll see you around.
