Bringing ICT students to the Media Park

Context

During my internship at Media Perspectives, I worked as a Communications and Multimedia Design (CMD) specialist, with a focus on graphic design, concept creation, and event management. Media Perspectives is dedicated to supporting the Dutch media sector as it faces ongoing industry changes, connecting technology, media, and knowledge to meet evolving consumer needs. My role immersed me in an innovation-driven organization focused on talent development within the media industry.

One challenge identified by Media Perspectives was the lack of ICT expertise in the media sector. As innovation increasingly demands complex technological solutions, bridging the gap between media and ICT professionals has become critical. The goal was to introduce ICT students to the media industry, showcasing it as a dynamic and viable field of work.

Research & Insights

Our multidisciplinary project team began by researching the needs and motivations of ICT students, as well as the requirements of the media industry for technical expertise. We explored existing industry events and best practices in hackathons and student-industry collaborations. Key insights included:

• ICT students were often unaware of the opportunities in the media sector.
• The media industry needed creative, tech-savvy talent to drive innovation.
• Hackathons and challenge-based events were effective in both attracting and engaging ICT talent.
• A strong and consistent visual identity increases the perceived value and professionalism of an event.

We also interviewed previous hackathon participants and media professionals to further understand the expectations, challenges, and opportunities such an event could provide.

Used methods

Focus groups Co-creation sessions Surveys Orienting observations

Design Solution

To address these insights, our team developed a recurring event concept: Media Hack Days. These hackathons were specifically designed for ICT students to solve real-world challenges from the media sector in a collaborative, creative environment.

• Visual Identity: I implemented the corporate identity created by an external designer, translating it into a cohesive look and feel for the event. This included designing promotional materials, social media content, and event signage.
• Brand Guidelines: To ensure consistency for future editions, I developed a corporate identity guideline manual for Media Hack Days.
• Event Production: I co-wrote the event script, helped plan logistics, and managed the live event, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for participants.
• Participant Engagement: During the event, I actively engaged with students, facilitated discussions, and gathered real-time feedback.
• Best Practices: I researched and documented best practices for hackathons, contributing to the foundation of a sustainable event format.

The result was a well-branded, highly engaging event series that successfully introduced ICT students to career opportunities in the media sector.

Reflection

This project provided invaluable hands-on experience in both event management and visual communication. I learned how to translate a brand’s core values into tangible designs, while also understanding the importance of maintaining consistency across different media and touchpoints. Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines helped me broaden my perspective on project management, communication, and teamwork.

The feedback from both students and industry partners was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound interest in media sector careers. Looking back, I am proud of how we created a challenging and fun learning experience that not only benefitted the participants but also helped strengthen the connection between ICT talent and the media industry. This case reaffirmed my passion for design and innovation in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments.