Martina participates at the 5th Crowdsourcing Global Conference

Why did you choose to study Communication and Digital Media?

I have always been passionate about communication. Rather than just seeing it as an essential tool, I see it as something powerful. It is a degree which enables your voice to be heard everyday and in everything you do, as you are always communicating. What I like the most is that the Communication and Digital Media degree offered by IE University differs from the standardized Communication program offered by other universities. Here at IE University, the program doesn’t just focus on audiovisual communication or journalism. On the contrary, you get to learn about a wide range of topics, from Graphic Design and Global Issues to the legal side of the Media and Entertainment Industry. Moreover, my favorite part of communication and the main reason as to why I decided to pursue this degree is because you get the chance to tell other people’s stories; stories that probably wouldn’t be told unless you are there to tell them. You have the incredible opportunity of giving a voice, and even power, to people that may not have the resources or the confidence to speak up. It is the ability to make other’s voices heard, and even more likely, to create a change with the stories you are telling. Being able to do that, well, that it is pretty amazing.

Tell us about your experience and involvement in extracurricular activities (labs, sports, clubs…).

IE has a lot of extracurricular activities on offer. There are lots of clubs you can join and also projects which I have had the best experience being a part of. During my first year I was part of the UN Club with which I got to travel to the United Nations Headquarters in Genève for a UN model. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Also, last year I was a member of a group of 5 students from a range of degree sectors. With the team, I took part in and achieved second place at the IE Business Plan Challenge with our start-up Mello; a company that elaborates and produces açaí base products, a project we are still continuing with today. At the moment, I am a member of the Philanthropic Club but also I am currently working as a Social Media and Marketing Coordinator at Impact Revolution, a company created by an IE graduate.

Tell us about your experience in Segovia and with international students.

I have been living in Segovia for 3 years now and this year will be my last. I still cannot believe how fast it has gone and I have enjoyed every moment. The great thing about Segovia is that you live in a very relaxed and relatively small environment. This is great when starting off, especially when you have just moved to another country and everything is new. Another advantage is that because it is small, you get to experience true ‘campus life’. Everywhere you go you are likely to bump into another student and, therefore, you will get the chance to meet new people, even from other degrees. Segovia has a large number of international students, which, in my opinion, is one of the best aspects, as you get to know and learn from their culture, traditions and if you are lucky and have friends that cook, you can try their delicious meals.

How did you find out about the Crowdsourcing Global Conference?

I found out through a weekly newsletter from the Talent and Careers department. In the newsletter they inform its readers about different internships, events and other activities.

How did you apply?

The application process was relatively easy to follow. It involves filling in a form with a range of questions on and then simply submitting it once completed.

What is the Crowdsourcing Global Conference about?  

Crowdsourcing is the practice of engaging a crowd with a common goal. This goal could be efficiency, problem solving or innovation. It works with technological advantages and uses them as tools to help connectivity grow and subsequently achieve collective contributions.

Essentially, there will be a theoretical section at the conference where we will discuss crowdsourcing. Namely, how can it be applied and how it affects business or social interactions. There will also be a practical side to the conference, where we get the chance to put what we have learnt into practice and work with other people.

What led you to apply?

What drove me to apply was my curiosity and desire to know more about this tool. As we live in such a digital age, I believe it is important for us to constantly remind ourselves that we can and should improve the way we use technology. Considering the fact that we are a generation addicted to our screens, it’s probably time to take that addiction and use the time we spend on-screen to do something more than scroll through our news-feeds.

What are you looking forward to gaining from this amazing experience?

I am looking forward to the conference in Washington, D.C. I am very eager to learn more about the topics that will be discussed, such as, Innovation, Business, Individuals and Governments. I am also very keen to meet new people as I am certain that I will learn from them as well.

What would you recommend to future students who want to apply to this conference?

I would tell them to apply regardless of what the result may be. Life is about trying, not about winning. The best lessons are learned during the process. So, to everyone who wants to apply, I say take the risk and do it; don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. This is not just advice for the conference, but for all opportunities that will arise in the future. Go ahead and give it a try, you have nothing to lose after all.