Professor Ana Visiers has been appointed by the Governing Council as the new academic director of the degrees in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, and Audiovisual Communication of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic).
Ana Visiers has a long professional and academic career. She holds a PhD with Extraordinary Prize in Information Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid and a degree in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Navarra. In addition, she has specialized in film and advertising production, which has allowed her to develop a solid experience in these fields.
In this regard, we had the opportunity to talk to the new academic director about the functions she will perform after her designation.
- Why did you choose UNEATLANTICO?
I have lived in Madrid for the last seven years, and a year ago, I decided to come to Cantabria to live with my family. I liked UNEATLANTICO because of the academic rigor, the facilities, and the coworkers, in addition to the degrees taught. I also found the internationality to be enriching.
- What are the objectives of the Communications degree program?
One of the main objectives is to train students to become good professionals in the field of communication. This world is very changeable, and therefore it is necessary to prepare them to be always up to date while maintaining their criteria. In addition, it is also essential for us to help them adapt to the labor market.
- How do you keep up with current trends in media and communication to ensure that the curriculum is up to date?
The way to keep in touch is to maintain good relations with the companies and the different associations of the press, advertising agencies, film directors’ associations… That way they are kept up to date. In addition, we also try to introduce them to working professionals so that they can share their experience with them.
- What are the internship opportunities for Communication students? And how do you facilitate their search?
As for internship opportunities, CEMU’s counseling office helps them find the best fit for their preferences. We have 1200 agreements with companies, which facilitates a continuous supply, thus encouraging students to be proactive.
- How does the university encourage student participation in extracurricular activities related to Communication?
On their first day, the first thing I conveyed to my first-year students was that they should make the most of their years at the university with all the extracurricular activities since it is part of the experience and of their education.
In the first year, most people enter with an empty curriculum, and you have to complete it, both with sports, volunteering, participation in talks, etc. In the case of Communication degrees, you can also take advantage of the opportunity to create a podcast in the radio studio. After all, you don’t know where the source of inspiration is going to come from.
- What kind of technology resources and communication labs are available to students?
Regarding UNEATLANTICO’s facilities, it is relevant to mention that the Communication area has outstanding resources, such as the television set and the radio studio, which are available to all students at the University.
- How is the success of graduates of Communication programs evaluated in terms of employability and professional achievements?
I believe that one of the yardsticks for measuring the satisfaction of our students is employability. After studying, one hopes to be able to practice one’s profession, and this is the case of our students. A clear example is that many first-year students have expressed that one of the reasons they chose UNEATLANTICO is that people they know have already obtained employment after graduating from this University.
- What advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of Communication?
The most valuable advice I would offer them would be to act like sponges from the very beginning: keep up with the news, go to the movies, tune in to the radio, and keep a constant flow of information. In addition, it is essential that they make an effort and devote time to reading, as this will enable them to become outstanding journalists, publicists, or filmmakers in the future.