Graduate interview: Janina - Employee in Corporate Communications
08/13/2024After graduating, Janina worked in corporate communications at Sanofi Germany, including in crisis communications for Industriepark Höchst. Guest lectures and Career Centre programmes helped her to expand her skills and gain concrete insights into professional fields. Janina emphasises that motivation and the right attitude make almost anything learnable, and advises being inquisitive and open to technological developments.
What did you study at the University of Würzburg?
Media Communication (B.Sc)
What is your current job?
I currently work as a Communication Strategist.
Which company/employer do you work for?
Sanofi Germany
What are your tasks?
As a communication strategist, I deal with current trends and developments, including the use of artificial intelligence in communication. I also support internal change projects and manage digital projects. I've also been part of the crisis communications team for Industriepark Höchst since the beginning of the year.
How did you orientate yourself professionally during and after your studies?
In addition to studying Media Communication in Würzburg and the Master's in Communication Management in Leipzig, I focussed heavily on practical experience and gained this in the form of internships and working student jobs (at agencies and companies, among others). In addition, voluntary positions (e.g. Uniradio, Junge Presse Würzburg) and the wide range of opportunities offered by the university and the Career Centre were very good ways to strengthen and expand my own skills.
Did you make use of certain university services (e.g. Career Centre, alumni office, mentoring programme, guest lectures, etc.) for career guidance?
"Something to do with media", that was my wish after my stay abroad as an au pair in the USA. The guest lectures from both the Institute and the Career Centre gave me concrete insights into the professional field of corporate communications. I also made use of the Career Centre's programme beyond professional expertise, from CV checks to public speaking courses. A great offer from the University of Würzburg for your own further education!
How did you find out about the position you applied for? Is there a particular portal that you could recommend to students in the future?
I found my job at Sanofi as "Communication Manager Strategy & Digital" via LinkedIn. Job alerts are particularly useful here to narrow down a professional field, an industry or a region.
What was your application process like and what was the timeline from the first contact to the acceptance?
- Application portal (CV & cover letter)
- First digital job interview
- Working on a use case to develop a social media communication strategy
- Invitation to the second interview (f-t-f) incl. presentation of the use case
Which skills from your degree programme are helpful or essential for your current job?
Analytical and strategic thinking, digital skills and the ability to familiarise myself with new and complex topics. I still draw on theories from media and social psychology and media and communication science for projects, presentations and workshops.
How did you acquire additional skills (e.g. workshops and seminars, internships, part-time job, associations, voluntary work, traineeships, further training, etc.)?
Specialist skills are important, but I firmly believe that with motivation and the right attitude, almost anything can be learnt. Workshops for personal development and seminars for professional acquisition were great opportunities for further development.
What advice can you give students for successful preparation for future job interviews?
In addition to the classic preparation for the desired job, follow the latest reports on the company and prepare your own short presentation as an "elevator pitch".
Do you have any general tips for professional orientation and career planning?
Find your own path and yet don't rule anything out in advance, but make the most of opportunities that arise along the way. I've done well with that so far!
What advice would you give to students who want to work in your industry or profession?
Be inquisitive! An interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the willingness to familiarise yourself with complex topics in order to be able to translate them into clear messages, a positive attitude towards change and technological progress and to closely follow developments in business and politics as well as in the communications industry.
