Video production student Saki on using her skills for social media content
One of our students, Saki Tatsumi from Osaka, Japan, became the first Social Media Ambassador for Kings at UW–Stout. Saki is studying Video Production. The Social Media Ambassador position works closely with Kings staff to increase the impact of our social media presence while also gaining leadership skills and hands-on experience for their chosen career path.
Here Saki Tatsumi tells us about her experience so far.
“I chose UW–Stout because it offers a lot of hands-on learning opportunities. There are labs, studios, cameras, lights, and other great equipment. Since it’s not a huge school, classes are small. I really like that we get to work directly with the gear and even go off campus for projects. The small class sizes also make it easy to talk with professors and ask questions. The video production program is practical and creative which made me want to study here.
I applied for the Social Media Ambassador position because I love taking photos and creating videos, and I felt I could contribute in a meaningful way. As a video production major, I believe this experience will help me grow and become better at what I do. My dream is to work at a film company in the future, so I see this role as a small but important step toward that goal — it’s practice for the real world where I think, shoot, and edit my own content.
I’ve loved film and visual storytelling since I was little. I grew up watching music videos and movies and always imagined what kind of shot or story I’d create in that same scene. Because of that, when I work on my own projects, I always think about angles, composition, and how to capture a moment that draws the viewer in. I want every video to make people feel something, even just a little curiosity or emotion.
One project I’m especially proud of is a short interview-style video where I asked students questions like “What music are you listening to right now?” and another vlog about a day in a student’s life. I wanted to create content that feels familiar to high school and college students, something they would normally see on social media. By doing that, I hoped to make them feel more connected and interested in our campus.
When creating content, I try not to rely on my own perspective. I always ask friends for their opinions, both international and native students, to understand different viewpoints. I also pay close attention to cultural differences, making sure my videos stay respectful and don’t touch on sensitive topics or taboos.
If I could give advice to other international students looking to gain internship experience while studying in the states, I would tell them not to worry too much about their skills before they start, just try. I didn’t have a lot of experience or confidence when I began either. I simply loved creating videos and wanted to give it a shot. Even if you’re nervous, take that first step; you’ll grow as you go.”
