Alumni Spotlight: Keerthi Ramachandran

Posted February 1, 2022

Name: Keerthi Ramachandran

Graduation year: August 2021

Degree: M.S. Global Media & Cultures (GMC)–German

Other degrees and alma mater: B.S. Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) 2020 and B.S. Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies (ALIS)–German 2020, Georgia Institute of Technology

Current Position, Company, and Location: Content Acquisitions Specialist (International Programming), Sling TV, Denver, CO

1. What does a typical day at your job look like?

Every day brings about a new project or priority, so really no two days are the same. Currently, I am learning a lot about the legal process behind contracts with international programmers for content rights, operations, business models, etc. I also really enjoy researching potential programmers and evaluating content that could be part of Sling/DISH.

2. What’s the most exciting part about your work?

As part of the international team, I have learned so much more about the entertainment industries and top content from different countries, many of which are outside my usual sphere of familiarity.

3. How did you find your job/what’s the best resource for jobs or networking you’ve found?

I was primarily searching for opportunities with streaming/video-on-demand related companies and found my current position on LinkedIn. My advice would be to do a lot of research in your field­—not just for companies that are well-established, but also for those that are just starting out or are growing as there may be opportunities, especially as you are starting your career.

4. What’s the most surprising detour you’ve taken from your career path? What did you learn from it?

I started my undergrad at Georgia Tech in 2017 as a biology major, but I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for my future. After a year of trial and error, I realized I have always had an interest in filmed content and international studies, which led me to pursuing LMC and ALIS and later the M.S. GMC where I was able to explore a greater variety of topics that interested me.

5. How did studying Global Media & Cultures at Georgia Tech impact your career?

One of the most valuable parts of the GMC program was getting to take classes with people from various backgrounds who were studying different languages. This allowed for a variety of perspectives on domestic and international issues. Additionally, I was able to relate many class projects and papers to my career interests, which gave me a better understanding of the history and current discourse of my field.

6. What skills did you learn during your studies that contribute to your daily life?

A valuable skill that I learned and that is easily transferable to many situations is the ability to conduct thorough research as well as communicate findings clearly and effectively.

7. What’s the coolest research/project/initiative/event you worked on in the GMC program?

As a Graduate Research Assistant for the German Program, I was really excited to further explore my interests in web design and social media marketing, especially with an actual audience instead of just for a class project.

8. What advice would you give to current GMC students? To fellow alumni?

Try to find connections between your current work and world with what your larger interest is. Your final project probably won’t end up exactly how you imagined it at the beginning of the year, and that’s totally okay. Be committed to your project and try to learn as much as you can from it.

9. Can students and fellow alumni contact you to chat and network?

Yes

10. What are some things you can speak to and what is the best way to contact you?

Just send me a message about anything, and I’ll find an answer!

kmramachandran1@gmail.com  www.linkedin.com/in/kmrmchndrn/

The 12-month Master of Science in Global Media and Cultures is a joint offering of the School of Literature, Media, and Communication and the School of Modern Languages. It emphasizes essential skills including communication, leadership, and global expertise, while providing advanced training in one of seven languages — Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. Applications for Fall 2022 admission are due by Feb. 15. For more information, visit the program website.

Do you have an outstanding student, faculty member, staff member, or alumni you'd like to see spotlighted? We accept nominations via email at communications@modlangs.gatech.edu. Please be sure to include the nominee's name, email address, and why you'd like to nominate them. 

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