Being Part of a Research Project during the Master Studies
Ein Erfahrungsbericht von accadis-Masterstudent Carlos Rebollo Santano
Challenging,
no other word would better describe the recent experience I had the pleasure to
enjoy while supporting accadis during their research project related to the
phenomenon of Second Screen TV within the sports industry. As part of a small
group of master students selected to provide assistance in different topics
which the university was working on at that moment, my colleagues and myself
included found ourselves engaged in a new routine filled with different,
demanding activities to help the university to further progress in their
research objectives.
Preparation of the Research Project
Prior
to the research itself, we had the possibility to discuss with our assigned
supervisors the specific objectives and needs for each topic. Thereby we could
already note how accadis philosophy encouraged us to face these tasks in a very
challenging manner: almost complete freedom (despite some previous groundwork
and guidance) was given to us related to how to fulfil each task and, in
exchange, we were expected to deliver high-quality and full commitment. Of
course we also had the support from our supervisors when it came to doubts or
specific things that needed to be discussed. Thus, with that already in our
minds each of us jumped into our respective topics right away.
Flexibility and Family-Like Atmosphere
Despite
the work being tough and time consuming, at some moments I really enjoyed my
time working on the project thanks to the family-like atmosphere created by my
colleagues Christian Becker, Leona Pascoe, Philipp Ecker and Nadine
Leonhartsberger and the support from Maria Ratz and Professor Dr. Florian
Pfeffel (whom I wish to show my deepest gratitude with this article, too). In
addition, accadis gave us access to the university research facilities to
ensure that we could deliver better work with a comfortable environment and no
disturbance. But, while coming to the university was obviously required, we
were allowed flexible alternatives such as working remotely from home if
needed, thereby allowing a better fit in our research schedule.
Multifaceted Tasks
As
for the research itself, I had a great time doing different tasks from purely
traditional research duties such as finding and studying further literature or
updating the theoretical framework with the most recent sources. Other tasks related
more to introducing the topic to others such as assisting in the creation of
presentations about Second Screen TV for some of the recent international
conferences which the university had participated in. Not only that, but also
the possibility to work on this specific topic helped me to stay abreast of one
of the newest and most interesting trends in marketing and also to the closely
related sports industry in particular.
My Conclusion
I
would like to use these last lines to encourage any student who is given the
opportunity to be part of future projects to do so. Yes, sometimes it can be
tough and it is not that easy for everyone to find specific slots in their
schedules to consistently work on these projects. However, you will be granted
with a rewarding experience which can help you to not only develop your skills,
but to also discover new fields or even topics that you might be interested in
the future.
“Research is
formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose” ̶ Zora Nehale Hurston