Alumni of the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change reflect on the program’s influence in their lives
In a time where media's influence transcends borders, Julia Scheikl and Tobias Krammer stand out as examples of how global perspectives can reshape local narratives. Both have academic backgrounds in media management from the University of Applied Sciences in St. Pölten and attended the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change last year.
Having attended the 2023 program on "Imagining Inclusive and Equitable Futures", Julia and Tobias are both alumni of the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change. They visited this year's program on "Belonging in the Age of Machines: Reimagining the Soul of Media" to share their insights with current participants. Reflecting on their experiences at the Media Academy, they discussed how the program had profoundly impacted their lives, providing them with fresh perspectives on both Austrian and global media landscapes.
Exposure to diverse perspectives
Julia described her experience at the Media Academy as a transformative event, calling it "one of the greatest things that ever happened in my life". She highlighted the rare opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people from around the world, an experience she had never encountered before. The discussions and interactions during the program, she noted, deepened her understanding of both Austrian and global media landscapes and profoundly altered her perspective.
Tobias echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how the Media Academy broadened his global outlook and exposed him to diverse perspectives. By engaging with peers from different parts of the world, Tobias found the discussions on various media systems and projects incredibly insightful. He particularly valued exchanging views with individuals his age, especially in an era where younger generations are increasingly turning to social media for news. This exchange, he noted, allowed him to compare different media systems through a relatable lens.
"The most important thing I would highlight is the networking part," Tobias said. He expressed gratitude for the connections he made during the Media Academy, which now spans the globe. "Now I have the possibility to call some friends all over the world and get their opinion or get their insight on some topics in their country or where they live. It's very nice to have this type of network."
Julia emphasized that the Media Academy not only deepened her understanding of current global affairs but also broadened her outlook through exposure to diverse ideas and participants from various countries. “The great faculty at Salzburg Global Seminar… shifted my perspective immensely because of the things that we learned, especially from the other countries. I was most interested in the other countries and their media landscapes,” she explained.
This global exchange of ideas inspired her to address the challenges within Austria's media landscape, equipped with the knowledge and insights she gained from international peers and professors.
Gaining career confidence
Confident in her newfound ability to connect with and understand people from different backgrounds, Julia expressed her determination to make a positive impact. “I can connect and understand other people so well now, and it is going to help me the most in the future. I hope I can make a change in the future in the Austrian media landscape with that,” Julia stated.
Tobias also believes his participation in the Media Academy positively impacts his career and that the network he built there continues to influence his approach to work. “Sometimes when I'm [working] on international projects, I think back to Salzburg Global Seminar and ask myself, ‘what does he or she from this other country think about this project?’ And that's very important for me,” Tobias shared.
As they continue to navigate their careers, Julia and Tobias carry forward the lessons and connections from the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change, poised to contribute to a more inclusive and globally aware media landscape in Austria and beyond.
