I am Ma Zhijie, from the Class of 2022 of the MA in Communication program-- Film, TV & New Media Concentration (FTNM) , School of Culture and Creativity. Pursuing further study at this taught postgraduate program, in my view, is a fantastic journey.

After working in a media organization for many years, I decided to pursue postgraduate study to further enhance my professional skills. Despite receiving offers from other universities in Hong Kong during the pandemic, I chose UIC after thorough consideration. After studying at UIC, it is proved that I made a smart decision. Until today, I could clearly recall the excitement of stepping into the UIC campus for the first time. Yes, I became a student again.

At UIC, I met many wonderful classmates. I found that most of my classmates were younger than me, and some of them were even from the post-2000. Nevertheless, a positive attitude helped me to smoothly make a balance between professional work and academic life, and to foster sustainable relationships with other students. My life was enriched by vibrant, insightful, charismatic, and talented friends, from whom I learned greatly.

I took my postgraduate studies seriously and valued each precious opportunity provided by the university to improve myself. Most of my classes were scheduled on weekends. Each time I took classes, I would drive from Shenzhen to Zhuhai the night before, ensuring I could attend all of the scheduled lecture sessions. Course instructors at UIC have excellent academic/industry backgrounds and extraordinary strengths. Many of them encouraged the theoretical application to industry. Whether it was communication, screenwriting, law, interactive media, directing or other courses, every group project and individual assessment could improve my practical skills, which is also the best part of the UIC curriculum design. I experienced several "first times" at UIC, including writing a screenplay, analyzing a media phenomenon with communication theory, mooting court debate, directing and producing a video work, visiting an art exhibition under the guidance of course instructors, and so on. To pursue excellent academic performance, I studied very hard and finally won the scholarship and was recognized as one excellent graduate.

Since I have been working in the media industry, the knowledge I have learned at school is appropriately matched with my career. After graduation, the advantages of each course outcome became significant in my career. For example, I have a more accurate understanding of the media industry and relevant industry trends; I have more confidence to face and embrace changes developed in the AI era; More effective leadership strategies could be applied when I conduct teamwork…

I am grateful that UIC brings me this unforgettable learning experience. I will take the blessings of the school to embark on a new journey, address more challenges, pursue a higher level of personal development, and eventually contribute to UIC.