5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing MA New Media Design

Many students think studying abroad is all about good academic records, skills and determination, but there is a lot more to consider. Students have to keep in mind the duration of their stay, the location and the social life they would like to maintain – all of these factors must be weighed up before deciding to study abroad. Take your time and plan everything in advance to avoid unnecessary problems when the time to move comes closer.

1. Not Planning well in advance 

One of the most common and overlooked mistakes while applying for a programme overseas is a lack of planning. Students who do not plan well in advance, encounter too many last-minute issues which can make the whole experience extremely stressful. Planning well in advance makes a huge difference and helps the entire process run smoothly.

If you are flying to Germany or London to study Media Design, you should be clear as to why you want to move to that country and study the specific programme. You should be clear about which institutes you are aiming for and figure out how you would acclimatise to a new culture once you move there. All these are very serious considerations and planning for it at least a year before will make the process stress-free for you. Students can’t just pack their bags and leave for a foreign country because this is not a vacation. 

2. Attending just for the credential, not the experience

Many students go to an institution with their mindset solely focused on completing the course and earning a degree. While it is understandable that not every student can take equal time off from work to pursue more hours at school, many students opt out of their jobs in order to focus solely on their education to put maximum effort into their learning, which will increase the student’s professional skills further. 

Enjoy the experience of learning New Media Design in a classroom, and avail the priceless opportunities of discussion and participation, meaningful conversations and learning through collaboration while you are in school.

3. Overlooking the programme’s faculty

Besides looking for essential criteria, like job placement opportunities or curriculum, students should also make sure that they are researching their graduate programme’s faculty at the institution they are applying for. Experts and professors can be the difference to a student’s entire experience in grad school. Look up the faculty members, their area of expertise, read their published works etc., to have an understanding of where you are heading and what will be expected of you. See if their expertise will bring value to your education and if they are active professionals outside the classroom, does their industry match your interests?

4. Not Checking Job Placement Rates

Not only is it important to have a career goal, but it is equally important to have a thorough understanding of the job market you will be entering after graduation. If your plan is to settle and work in a particular city or state, then you should research the job placement rates of that particular region. On the other hand, if your degree will require you to find a job in a different place, you need to consider where and how you will be able to do that. That’s an important consideration to have before starting a degree programme. 

Several colleges have career placement departments on campus that help students gain an understanding of the placement procedures and rates. Besides that, there are many businesses that provide the same service. And while these resources are helpful, the best way to go about it is by doing your own research.

5. Submitting your application at the last minute

If you choose to wait until the last few days to submit your application, the chances of your application containing errors increases drastically. Whether you make a wrong entry or miss an important section, you will no longer have the opportunity to rectify and recover it. Depending on the programme you are applying for, you may have to invest some time into the application. You are likely going to be asked several questions, required to complete an assignment, write personal statements etc., you will also need plenty of time for acquiring your transcripts or letters of recommendation.

While choosing the right graduate programme can be challenging, you can do it in a hassle-free way if you devote enough time and research for your application to make sure it is right for you.

Are you looking for a reputable school to study MA New Media Design? Check out the brilliant programme offered by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE). UE has a dedicated central counselling centre to help enrolled students who have not yet started their degree and give advice on employment opportunities and finding internships. The team personally advises and supports students and resolves all their queries.

The New Media Design course at UE prepares students to develop advanced and complex design as well as technological solutions to face the challenges of a multi-disciplinary nature.

Students at UE also have the opportunity to study abroad for one year or one semester.