Karen Liu

Karen Liu
Country / region
China
Graduated from
Communication University of China
Programme
Scholarship
Dean's Award for Enterprise

Originally a journalism graduate, Jing Liu (Karen), graduated from Loughborough University London with an MA in Media and Creative Industries.

She also received the Dean's Award for Enterprise to help fund her studies.

What were you doing before you joined Loughborough?

Before I joined Loughborough, I was working in the Beijing branch of a U.S. media company as an Assistant Producer, with the main responsibility of coordinating its video production and daily operation. This involved arranging interviews and editing media. My previous Master's course focused on the theory of journalism, so I wanted to widen my outlook on the media and creative industries.

Why did you choose to study at Loughborough University London?

I was looking for a university considering both the programme and its location. Loughborough University London provided a well-organized media programme and is in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Moreover, I was attracted by the various scholarship schemes that it offered.

How has Loughborough University London inspired you and helped you to progress in your career?

I found the programmes at Loughborough University London valuable both academically and practically. The University prepared us for future challenges by creating its employability services with CV writing skills, video assessment and mock panel discussions etc., which are essential procedures for any job application.

The most important draw for me as I look back at my studies, was the extremely well organised Media and Creative Industries programme. The structure of the programme is really well developed – great overview of subject areas, enterprise skills, employability skills (so important for the future), video assessments, job applications... When I started applying for internships, the steps are identical to the Skills Check process. It made me feel more confident.

Would there be one piece of advice that you would give to prospective students looking to study the same course that you did?

It is vital to get inolved in all the different events on campus - they really enrich your student experience.

Did you take part in any extra-curricular activities during your studies? If so, how did this impact upon your Loughborough experience?

As my programme encourages students to participate in real life media practice, I initiated a photography project called Honest You, which explores the relationship between makeup and female self-acceptance. This is an on-going project that reflects my interests in gender issues and portrait photography.

Moreover, I was active in different entrepreneurial competitions and events when I was studying. My business proposal was the winner of the Postcard Competition held by Loughborough University London and one of the finalists in the Launch-it! Competition by the Midland campus.

I have had great moments studying in Loughborough University London and I am looking forward to staying in touch with the University and alumni for future co-operation.

Are there any hidden gems on the campus or in London that you would recommend to future students?

As an overseas student, I would say living in London means plenty of opportunities to meet with interesting people and expand the possibilities of your life. However, I guess these are not hidden gems to many people.

How did you fund your studies?

I received the Dean's Award for Enterprise to help fund my studies, which covered 90% of my tuition fees plus business mentoring support.

Describe what it is like to be a postgraduate, and how this differs from undergraduate studies.

In my opinion, taking a postgraduate course requires more independent thinking and researching than undergraduate studies. One of our professors said that the student should be the one who tells the tutor and classmates about a certain topic after thorough study, instead of simply listening to what the professors have to say.

Tell us more about the company you are working for currently.

At the moment, I am working on my own business project called Harkii, which is a creative brand that aims to supply professionally generated content in independent audio industry, with a long-term goal of building a knowledge-sharing community for independent producers where the value of excellent works and practice is fully appreciated.

Tell us about your career journey so far.

As the founder of Harkii, I have been involved with its early preparation and incorporation. I will oversee its content production and marketing in the future as well.

What do you love the most about your job?

It seems that multimedia producer and company director are two completely different roles, but they share the common task of tackling problems in a constantly changing environment. The journey full of unknown challenges is what I love most in my job.

Where does the future hold for you?

I am satisfied with the career path that I chose, so I will devote myself to the development of Harkii and hope one day it will be accepted by others as a valuable content creator in this area.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

I felt proud of my work after the University accepted my business proposal and endorsed me for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa.

What was your reaction when you found out you received 90% scholarship?

Happy – disbelief. I prepared so much for the award, but had no idea I would win!

What are the benefits of the scholarship programme?

The obvious benefit is that the scholarship meant that I was able to pursue further study. I was desperate to study and had so much potential but couldn't afford it without the scholarship.

There's also the support factor - having people and professionals that support me to reach my entrepreneurial goals released some of the burdens of starting a new business. The whole experience was so much more than just studying.

The London location was also a definite benefit! London has a rich culture of resources, diversity, different opportunities, and different talents from all over the world. Its a great city for business opportunities.