Scholarship /
Supporting Statement for AAS 2018, Media and Communication Studies [6]
Hello. I wrote the following essay to apply for AAS. I need your help to evaluate it.
1. How did you choose your proposed course and institution*? (up to 2000 characters)
I have been working as translator and coordinator for several translation teams which handle web magazine articles and subtitles. Not only coordinate translators, I also ensure the quality of translations to meet the clients' standards. To continue producing quality translations, I need to learn more about language and translation.
As part of my job as coordinator, I also make sure that the translations appeal to a large audience, both by adjusting the translations to suit the targeted audience and engaging directly with the audience through various media platforms such as social media networks. In other words, I need to know not only how to translate and edit, but also how to sell the translation. Therefore, I need the knowledge and skills to analyze target audience, evaluate and improve translation according to the target audience, and also present the translation in certain ways in order to get the audience to consume it.
With those in mind, I chose 2 courses which may provide me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.
2. How will the proposed study contribute to your career*? (up to 2000 chars)RMIT University Master of Communication's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) provides opportunity to work with industry partners so that I can apply the knowledge I learn and develop skills in real life settings, which will be valuable before getting employment. The courses in communication for social change should provide me with the skills to evaluate and decide the appropriate communication strategy not only for my work, but also my target in spreading awareness in media literacy.
Monash University Master of Communication and Media Studies' foundation study is comprised of courses in topics which are relevant for my career, such as media, technologies, and social change. The core study is focused on communication research methods and project which I can utilize to hone analytical thinking and research skills regarding media and communication. What I gain from the studies will eventually help me in developing various perspectives on how to use media as a tool in communication as I work towards my goals in career.
Melbourne University Master of Global Media Communication provides courses that develop both critical analysis skills and writing skills. Combined, the two skills will help me in maintaining a broad and flexible point of view as well as apply practical skills in facing the challenges in my career. The course in researching audience and reception should provide the skills I need to evaluate and apply the appropriate communication strategies for my target audience.
3. How have you contributed to solving a challenge and to implementing change or reform? (Be specific and include: what aspect/s of your leadership knowledge, skills and practice you consider to be well established and effective; which people or organisations you worked with to solve the problem; and what creative methods were used.)*: (up to 2000 chars)I was a translator for a translation team until I was offered the position as the coordinator and also editor. The previous coordinator used to revise the translations by herself so that translators never knew what needed to be revised, thus kept repeating the same mistakes. So when I became the coordinator, I created a system in which editor report to translators after checking the translations, and let the translators revise the translations themselves before submitting them back to the editor for final check. This way, translators can know what needs to be revised. Doing the revision themselves also helps to ingrain the information, therefore making them less likely to repeat the same mistakes.
I also knew that I couldn't be the sole editor for a team of 20-or-so translators, and I've learned that asking for help and cooperating with people are the way to go when you can't do things alone. So I approached translators who I thought had the potential, discuss with them about the job descriptions of an editor, and created a new team of editors. This editor team helps me maintain the quantity and quality of translations in order to meet client's demands.
4. Please:- a) give up to three practical examples of how you intend to use the knowledge, skills and connections you will gain from your scholarship. Possible tasks can be personal and/or professional; and b) list any possible constraints you think may prevent you from achieving these tasks.*: (up to 2000 chars)First, I am going to utilize the knowledge and skills regarding to media and communication to work with a company/organization in the field. The audience research skills should provide ways to improve efficiency in engaging with audience. Meanwhile, the insight on the world of media is necessary to broaden my perspective and create the appropriate communication strategy for any job we will undertake.
Second, I want to create job opportunities for media and communication professionals and also translators. I can do it through various ways, such as working with the company/organization I belong to or creating a new company. I also intend to support job seekers through providing training. In order to fulfill this goal, I need the connections I should gain from this scholarship. I can work together with people who possess the skills, knowledge, and characters that I don't have (e.g. entrepreneurship skills) to create job opportunities.
Third, I want to obtain knowledge and skills necessary to view and use media in a critical way. I will convey what I learn to others through my writings, and contribute to creating a society that is media literate. Furthermore, I want to utilize the experience and connections to create and/or participate in a program/project to raise people's awareness of media literacy and help them build the necessary skills to live in a media world.
There are obstacles that might prevent me from fulfilling these goals, such as the conditions of the media industry. For example, freelance translators and translation companies tend to lower their fees in order to compete against rivals. This will lower the market price and make it hard to provide adequate working environment for the people in the company/organization I will be working with, as well as balancing cost with quality of work results. The knowledge, skills, and connections I will gain from this scholarship should provide the ability to continuously challenge the obstacles.
**
Note:
1. I have to choose two courses from two different universities, but at this point I still have three programs on my list. I need to eliminate one later.
2. I am applying for Coursework with minor thesis in Monash and Melbourne, but I'm not sure if I have to submit research proposal details. The AAS Indonesia website states "Doctorate and Masters applicants whose study will include at leas fifty percent research must fill the research proposal details on the application form." While the online AAS information system states "Proposed Research Details - Only complete this section if your studies will be by Research or a combination of Research and Coursework (e.g. Doctorate or Master by Research)."
Thank you.
