Student excited by social media degree

Student Nicole Radosevic Gutierrez's journey is one of reinvention. She has just completed a Foundation Year and in October begins a degree in social media.

This is the start of her second career – one which is markedly different from her first. Originally from Bolivia, Nicole studied to be a veterinarian and ultimately became the manager of a zoo.

Nicole relocated to the UK six years ago, and embarked on a new chapter of her life that has led her to take an entirely different direction.

She said, 

I have always had a passion to understand how social media shapes communication and influences the world. I always say that a career in social media is the career of the future."

It was during her time with a Bolivian zoo that she encountered the importance and power of social media.

She said, “When I was manager, I did a lot of campaigns on social media to bring people to the zoo – that’s how it works in Bolivia. That is when I realised I was fascinated by how social media has such influence and understood this is how we now communicate with each other. Social media is the future.”

At first, she was concerned about taking on another period in academia, after five years of studying to be a vet, but the more she read about the University of East London’s programmes the more she understood that it was a gateway into work with plenty of practical elements.

“The more I read, the more excited I became,” she said. “The tools we use in the course are the same tools as in the real world and there were opportunities to work, even in the Foundation Year.” 

The Foundation Year, linked to the BA Media and Communications course, offers a broad introduction to the world of modern media and communication, balancing theory and practice and learning a variety of media production techniques. Specialist modules include social media.

As part of her course, Nicole made a film with a classmate and she was encouraged to enter into an external competition. It won second prize.

Nicole contrasted this outward-looking, careers-first approach to Bolivia where the world of study and work are more distinct and graduates have to negotiate their careers with less support.

In Nicole’s case, she has already begun a social media internship with RAD London (Royal Albert Dock), right next door to the Docklands Campus. Her position will run alongside her studies and it was an appointment fixed up by her tutors in the School of Arts and Creative Industries.

“The teachers here are great,” she said. “They push me all the time and guide me on the best way to make the most of what I learn.” 

The BA Social Media degree at UEL provides a comprehensive understanding of social media, blending critical, creative, and professional practices. Students explore the history of social media, analyse marketing strategies, and dive into topics such as influencer culture and digital activism.

As Nicole has discovered, the course offers students the option of a work placement providing professional experience in the workplace, calling on UEL’s extensive network of employer partners and offering students a chance to make industry connections.

For Nicole, the programme is the perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and practical experience. She begins her three-year degree in October and said, “I'm very excited. I just want to get started and see what the next year is going to bring.”