Career Opportunities

What do you like most about your subject?
What I like most about cultural studies, particularly popular culture, is the fascinating exploration of its underlying reasons and influences. It intrigues me to understand how our minds and perceptions are shaped by various forms of media and literature.  
Analyzing the significance and impact of popular culture allows me to delve into the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics.

Why is Tübingen a place where you can be happy?
Tübingen is a place where I can find happiness for several reasons.  
Firstly, the surrounding forest provides a peaceful and tranquil environment, allowing me to connect with nature and find inner peace.  
Secondly, Tübingen is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. There are numerous cultural activities to engage in, such as Cultural Nights, Jazz week, Stocherkahn race and so on, which offer opportunities to connect with people and immerse myself in the local culture.

Why did you choose the University of Tübingen?
I chose the University of Tübingen for several reasons. Firstly, the university has a reputable academic program in cultural studies, which aligns with my interests and aspirations. The faculty members are highly knowledgeable and supportive, providing an excellent learning environment. Moreover, the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and global perspectives appealed to me, as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of cultural phenomena. Lastly, Tübingen's historical significance and charming atmosphere attracted me, making it an ideal place to pursue my studies.

Which global problems does your subject address or solve?
Within cultural studies, important global issues such as racism and gender inequality are extensively examined. By analyzing and critiquing popular culture and its representations, cultural studies provides insights and perspectives that contribute to broader societal discussions and potential solutions to these problems.

Where have you studied and lived so far?
I have lived and studied in a student dormitory, immersing myself in a diverse and lively community of fellow students. This environment has allowed me to engage in stimulating discussions and form connections with people from various backgrounds.

What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, as it helps me maintain physical and mental well-being. I have also developed a passion for writing poetry, allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions creatively. Additionally, I have recently taken up playing the drums, which serves as a way to unwind and explore my musical interests.  
Furthermore, I find solace and inspiration in forest bathing, which allows me to reconnect with nature and explore new landscapes.

What are your professional goals for the future?
My professional goal for the future is to become a researcher in the field of indigenous studies. I aspire to contribute to the preservation and understanding of indigenous cultures, their histories, and their contemporary issues. By conducting research and raising awareness, I hope to make a positive impact and to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Why did you decide to delve into American Studies?
As the focus of my B.A. in English/American Studies in Freiburg was mostly on British literature, I decided to apply for universities that offered American Studies only. Another factor was that I wanted to see a new place – and when I visited Tübingen, I decided to stay.  

What classes can you take as a student of the M.A. American Studies Program? How did you structure your curriculum?
I set my focus on cultural studies from early on. I have always been fond of movies, so I took as many classes related to film studies as possible. One of my first classes was on Western movies, for example. But the program offered a wide range of possible courses in literary studies as well; in this regard, I focused on Modernism and Naturalism. As there are three permanent professors in the American Studies department, I took all my classes with them to decide with whom I wanted to work on my thesis. 

What special research interests did you develop during your studies?
Already in my B.A. studies, I was enthusiastic about film analysis and I wrote my B.A. thesis on feminism in Downton Abbey. In my M.A. studies I further developed this interest and, encouraged by my classes on film analysis and contemporary TV series, specialized on feminism and the representation of race in Disney princess movies.      

Could you give an example of the practical work you focused on in your project module? How did M.A. prepare you for your entry into the job market and which doors did the program open for you? 
For the practical module, I grouped up with some of my fellow students twice and worked out a poster presentation and an oral presentation. We also had to do a report on it, which I did not enjoy much. As far as the career opportunities are concerned, however, the department did a good job in informing us about possibilities and opportunities. I liked it that we had the chance to meet people from outside the university who talked about their current occupations. Just hearing from them gave me a sense of what one could do in particular with the degree. It actually helped me to find a job, because among the participants of the career day was the person responsible for the trainee program at the German-American institute – and now I work at that institute!    

Why Tübingen? What is studying in Tübingen like?
In Tübingen, I found the perfect balance between city life and coziness. I immediately fell in love with the old town, the places by the river, and the nature just outside the city. The atmosphere in Tübingen was also one of the factors that affirmed my decision to study there. It is a great environment for every student, and I never got tired of inviting people to my place to show them around town.    

Any further advice for applicants and new students?
From my personal experience, I learned that it helps to just be open-minded, to talk to people, and to take the chance to make friends. I tried to be as involved as possible in Tübingen, which helped me to grow both personally and professionally – it may be easier than you think! 

Why did you decide to delve into American Studies?
When I was making this decision, I knew that I wanted to study completely in English, I was fascinated by the United States and wanted to explore it from an academic standpoint. I wanted to study multiple disciplines and develop ‘horizontally’ instead of delving into one specific field. The program turned out to be perfect for that and exceeded my expectations.

America’s diversity asks for a broad and inclusive course of study. What classes can you take as a student of the M.A. American Studies Program? How did you structure your curriculum?
I completed most of the modules by taking seminars paired with lectures on American literature and culture. For an interdisciplinary module, I took the class in American criminal legal theory and history and a class on social injustices. I also took an academic writing class in the first and the colloquium in the third semester before writing my thesis.

My friends get jealous when I tell them that I had a chance to watch and analyze Hollywood masterpieces, learn about the science of humor, analyze bits of American Stand-Up comedy, discuss the topics of sustainability, and read about consciousness-altering plants. I also took classes with a historical dimension to them, such as “The Heroization of American Presidents, 1790 to 1870”, “The Literature of Early Republic”, and “Slavery in Antebellum American Literature and Culture”. 

During the M.A. American Studies program, you gained detailed insights into one of the most influential cultures in the world. What special research interests did you develop during your studies?
I very much enjoyed doing close-reading of literary texts, breaking down how language creates specific meaning. This is why I decided to research the Cold War Propaganda for my master thesis and look specifically at how the Soviet media portrayed the United States: What rhetorical weapons it used to win the hearts and minds of the Soviet people and try to disrupt a well-established idea of American freedom.

Could you give an example of the practical work you focused on in your project module? How did M.A. prepare you for your entry into the job market and which doors did the program open for you?
I worked as a research assistant for the EU-funded COST Action "Comparative Analysis of Conspiracy Theories”. It was my first professional experience, which helped me develop organizational skills and to learn about yet another fascinating topic.

American Studies graduates can be a valuable asset in almost any sector. Our solid communication abilities are top skills in the modern business world. The research and critical thinking skills I developed during the program gave me another competitive advantage. The degree had first opened the door in legal PR and now I work as a Project Manager at BDO, the world’s leading accounting firm.

Why Tübingen? What is studying in Tübingen like?
Tübingen is a picturesque city, where the majority of the population are students, whose bright hopes and drive create a unique atmosphere. It’s the place for an intellectual exchange because there are so many fascinating people from all over the world with unique interests and backgrounds, but it is also a wonderful place for undistracted learning and enjoyable moments in nature.

Any further advice for applicants and new students?
As you will discover, the program places a lot of emphasis on self-study and doesn't require you to sit in the classroom for hours every day. Try to be proactive in the seminars. The issues discussed in the seminars are fascinating. When you come extra prepared, the discussions become even more stimulating.

To complete an M.A. program, you will need good discipline. It may be a good idea to group up with other students to go to the library together, help and motivate each other. 
Ask for guidance. Even renowned professors are approachable and genuinely interested in your development. Also, try to take classes with different professors, everyone has something special to offer that can push your development.