Jens Hagelstein is joining the Academic Society
The Academic Society is pleased to welcome Dr. Jens Hagelstein as a new research associate to the team! Jens Hagelstein is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Corporate Communication Research Group within the Department of Communication at the University of Vienna.
Prior to his current role, he was a Research Associate and doctoral candidate at the Chair of Strategic Communication at Leipzig University and scholarship holder of the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA).
Dr. Jens Hagelstein, University of Vienna» Following the debates in other subdisciplines of communications like media psychology or journalism research as well as in the professional field of corporate communication and PR often provides ideas and inspiration for my own work. «
In conversation with Jens Hagelstein
We discussed Jens Hagelstein’s career choice in scientific research and his approach to strategic communications. He also shared insights into his personal interests and professional philosophies.
What drew you to the field of strategic communications?
Strategic communication is an ambiguous phenomenon. On the one hand, it aims to influence its recipients, but on the other, it tries to achieve consensus with them. On the one hand, it uses creativity, while on the other, it has to stay true to the facts. I find these contradictions highly stimulating from a research perspective, and they make this particular field more interesting to me than other subdisciplines in communications.
What do you enjoy most about your scientific work?
The freedom in choosing the topics, theories, and methods of my research, the ability to independently decide how, when, and where to work on my projects and the smart and motivated colleagues that I have the chance to collaborate with.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work when facing challenges or setbacks?
Following the debates in other subdisciplines of communications (e.g., media psychology or journalism research) as well as in the professional field of corporate communication and PR often provides ideas and inspiration for my own work.
Can you share a project you worked on previously that you’re particularly proud of?
A few months ago, my dissertation was published and it was such a nice feeling to finally hold my own book in my hands!
What’s a recent trend in strategic communications that you find exciting?
The increasing use of tech and data – because it might not only fundamentally change the profession, but also our approaches of researching it through newly developed methods.
Is there a scientific theory or concept that you believe is particularly misunderstood?
I tend to be skeptical against affirmative perspectives on authenticity and transparency – strategic communicators might have good reasons to act „inauthentic“ and „intransparent“ and we should approach these without normative biases. Methodologically, I still see causal inferences drawn from purely correlational data way too often.
What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn and why?
Totally unrelated to research: Skateboarding, just because it’s so cool!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I lively remember watching „Dead Poets Society“ in school and then discussing one of the main character’s mottos which is to always look at things from a different point of view. I believe that this is a very helpful mantra also for conducting research.
What is your favorite blog, newspaper, journal, or magazine?
I am heavily into cycling culture and some of the blogs I particularly enjoy following on this subject are Lanterne Rouge, The Radavist, and Slow Spin Society.
Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?
If I hadn’t decided for academia, I would have loved to become a graphic designer.
Thank you for the Interview Jens Hagelstein and welcome to the Academic Society. We look forward to working with you!