Marco Scheerer
Who are you and what company do you currently work for? And in what position (your responsibilities)?
My name is Marco Scheerer and I am currently working as a Consultant for Partnerships and Events at the European TV station ARTE in Strasbourg, where I work in the Marketing and Sponsorship department. I initiate and coordinate partnerships and events with various media and cultural partners in Germany and France. This includes, for example, the branding of ARTE Concert at music festivals or interaction with cultural institutions such as museums or opera houses, as well as with other media such as magazines, radio stations, or streaming platforms. In my day-to-day work, I especially focus on intercultural cooperation with the German and French teams within the ARTE group at ARTE France and ARTE Germany.
What is your bachelor’s degree in?
I have a bachelor’s degree in online journalism from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Why did you choose the Master’s in Franco-German Management?
I find the media industry very exciting and have also already worked for some time at Hessischer Rundfunk in Frankfurt. Before that, I had participated in an exchange program with France during my time at school, which brought me into contact with the French language and culture. During my bachelor studies, I had no further contact with the French language until I felt like “doing something with French” again. The Master’s in Franco-German Management offered a great opportunity to do this, and so I was able to expand my journalism-oriented bachelor’s degree with a business management and German-French perspective.
What expectations did you have of the Master’s in Franco-German Management? What makes this degree program unique from your point of view?
I was primarily interested in studying in France and in the exchange between students in an intercultural group – the Master’s in Franco-German Management offered both. The nice thing was that the German and French students studied together first in Metz and then afterwards in Mainz.
Is there anything in your studies that has remained particularly memorable for you?
I especially remember the practical projects during the study semester in Metz. With a budget, we were able to plan events such as a concert evening, a short film festival, a market, an art exhibition, and a German-French round table and implement them during the German-French week we organized in Metz. This allowed us to directly apply what we had learned theoretically in project groups. By studying together abroad, many new friendships were also formed. As a result, you become part of a Germany- and France-wide network during your studies, where intercultural skills are experienced and put into practice even beyond your studies.
To what extent did your studies and the two required internships help you start your career?
The two integrated internships were very helpful in developing an understanding of the different living and working cultures in Germany and France. In addition, the internships made it possible to establish personal specializations: For instance, I now work for a German-French company in the media industry.
Have you participated in alumni events as a student? What do you think of the degree program’s alumni network?
Yes, I have participated in alumni meetings of the Master’s in Franco-German Management in Metz. But also, outside the events organized by the universities, the personal exchange with the other alumni of the French-German network of the master’s program is especially interesting.
