Daniel Mosman
What can you tell us about your career?
I am currently working in the public relations office of the Green Party in Vorarlberg where I am in charge of a variety of projects. Whether it comes to organising events such as discussions, lectures and movie nights, or planning and realising magazines, newsletters, online polls or exhibitions—it hardly ever gets boring. Together with our small team I am also part of the election campaign staff whenever needed which involves dealing with advertising agencies, the press and activists, and politicians at a grass-roots level.
Why did you study Anglistik und Amerikanistik? What, in your opinion, makes this choice of study unique?
Ever since high school, I fancied the English language and as I also had a keen interest in history and geography, it was an easy choice for me to pick Anglistik und Amerikanistik as one of my fields of study. And I was not disappointed: not only is it an extremely varied field of study—covering language usage, literary studies, linguistics, and cultural studies—but it also brings together a great number of interesting people who share an open view of the world around them.
Are there any classes/courses/activities that have influenced you both personally and professionally? Do you have any fond memories?
The one class that I remember most often is probably Oral Practice. Having to deal with tricky tongue twisters and practising the differences between b and p or d and t in front of a burning candle are definitely among the more memorable moments of my university studies—together with the infamous final examination of the course which ended up being cool and scary at the same time. And talking about cool things: I very much enjoyed hanging out in the English department's common room together with the other students. Watching great movies at Lunch Time Cinema was always an extra-curricular highlight, for example.
Which skills that you acquired during your language and literature studies have been useful in your current employment and throughout your career?
Unfortunately, there are only very few occasions when I get to use English in my current employment but of course it does help to better understand developments in areas such as content creation or (social) media. As I am also on the board of directors of the Association for the Promotion of the Jewish Museum in Hohenems, I get to use my language skills when dealing with descendants, visitors, and friends from English-speaking countries. So, studying English is not only useful in future fields of employment but also for activities you end up doing in your free time.
Why would you recommend Anglistik und Amerikanistik?
Even though I did not go into teaching or end up with a profession where I am able to use my English skills on a regular basis, I constantly benefit from the multitude of experiences I acquired throughout my studies at Innsbruck University's Department of English—especially when meeting people from other corners of the world. There is so much to gain from being able to communicate with others despite having different mother tongues that I do not have to think twice about whether or not to recommend Anglistik und Amerikanistik: it is a definite "YES, go for it!"
daniel.mosman@yahoo.com