Student Profile: Jonathan Han

By: Nate Walton

Photo Credit: Jonathan Han

The ability to navigate a dynamic landscape is more important than ever in a world that is being shaped more and more by digital media and diverse communication strategies. Johnathan Han, a  student in UMBC's Media and Communication Studies (MCS) program, is a prime example of how a solid academic background coupled with real-world experience can mold a student into a self-assured future media professional. In a recent interview, Jonathan talked about his experience in the MCS program, including the importance of the Capstone Seminar, the interdisciplinary nature of the program, and his goals for a career in marketing.

Johnathan acknowledges that his knowledge of the MCS major was limited prior to enrolling in the program. He recalled, "I only knew that the major offered a wide range of opportunities." When selecting a communications-based degree, many students feel this way: hopeful but unsure of the precise directions it could take them. But for him, the experience was far more than he had anticipated. According to Jonathan, the program confirmed and strengthened his interest in media and communications, which heightened his desire to pursue the career paths that MCS had to offer.

For Johnathan, the MCS curriculum's integration of theory and practical application is one of its distinguishing features. This is especially clear in MCS 499: Capstone Seminar, which is the culmination of academic research and study and calls for students to integrate their knowledge from various program areas. For him, this was a turning point rather than merely an academic obstacle. He saw the Capstone Seminar project as a chance to demonstrate a variety of skills and information he had learned in previous classes, including globalization and MCS theories, in order to organize a paper that advanced media education. It was an opportunity to make sure that the curriculum was accurately understood. This extensive and demanding final project not only tested him but also made a substantial contribution to his academic growth by forcing him to apply intricate theoretical frameworks in a logical, practical setting.

He also highlighted the importance of the program's elective courses, especially those that let students push the envelope. He gained a wider range of media tools by taking classes like MCS 366: Podcasting and MCS 370: Special Topics in MCS, which pushed him to experiment with different formats and topics. He says these classes give the program a surprising depth. “I think it does really well with expanding or adding upon what you thought you already knew,” he said, underlining how these offerings opened up avenues that may be directly applicable to future employers.

Johnathan's development has also been significantly influenced by real-world experience. He has gained practical experience with technical skills that are becoming more and more sought after in the media industry thanks to programs like UMBC's Television Production Crew. Although MCS has been known to help aspiring writers and journalists with their academic readings, he points out that this is only one of the numerous opportunities that make the major so alluring. He has taken advantage of the technical opportunities offered by the major, which expand into filmmaking, editing, and television techniques. In a media setting where adaptability is essential, these technical skills distinguish students such as Johnathan.

He also discussed how the program influenced his use of public and digital platforms. He recognized the value of deliberate and considerate communication as a member of a generation that is closely connected via social media. As new talents like him continue to blossom in the professional landscape, Jonathan has grown more aware of his self-efficacy. His digital footprints are displayed on his platforms, which he uses as a means of upholding his moral principles and raising awareness of issues that he feels are significant. This awareness reflects the critical lens that the MCS program encourages students to apply to the media they create and consume, and it goes beyond branding.

In the future, Johnathan sees himself employed in marketing, a field that combines strategic thinking, media production, and storytelling. "I would adore an internship or full-time position that would enable me to work with cameras, edit, or manage projects," he stated. His goals highlight a more general reality: media professionals today need to be adept at managing the numerous moving components that influence communications plans and media campaigns in addition to creating content.

Jonathan Han's story serves as an example of how studying media can equip students to not only comprehend media but also influence it. His journey through UMBC’s MCS program highlights the value of interdisciplinary education, the necessity of hands-on experience, and the power of reflection in forging a successful path forward. His story is inspiring as well as educational for students just starting out in the media industry.