I’m 31, from Uzbekistan, moving to Warsaw for my Master's. I have 6 years of experience in media (ljournalism, marketing, producing for documentaries, creative producer for a streaming service, screenwriter for movies). My ultimate goal is to get into global content strategy, media producing and something like nation branding (e.g., working for Netflix). I know it's very ambitious but I want to be realistic and trying to find the most solid plan.
I don’t have a big financial cushion. Once I pay my tuition, I have a budget for 3-4 month (without work) but then I MUST work almost full-time to survive (I need to make at least around 800-900 EUR net a month to live normally). I'm ready to work in ordinary student jobs (like stores, warehouses and etc.). But if I'm lucky I will try to find some office work.
My Dilemma:
- Option A: Warsaw University (UW). The dream. Incredible prestige and networking. But I know it's an academic meat grinder. I’m terrified the strict attendance and reading load will break me if I’m also working to pay rent. If I fail, I lose my visa.
- Option B: Vistula University (or any other private uni). Much easier workload. It gives me legal student status so I can work freely. I’d actually have time to work in Warsaw’s media production scene, build a European portfolio, and have a life. But I’m afraid the lack of prestige will kill my high-level corporate ambitions.
My Questions:
- Is it actually realistic to survive UW’s workload while working part/full-time to support yourself?
- In the European media/creative industry, does a top-tier degree (UW) matter more, or will employers care more about my 10+ years of actual production experience combined with a private degree (Vistula)?
- Am I shooting myself in the foot by choosing a private uni just to survive and work?
Any harsh truths are welcome!