Andres Jõesaar: Working at the university has taught me to always ask why
Every researcher is, in their own way, a traveler, and their path to science is never predetermined. It unfolds through a variety of experiences, experiments, and discoveries. Tallinn University's photo exhibition “The Unmapped Journey: An Individual’s Path to Science” highlights the unique journeys of 14 researchers. The exhibition is on display at the Astra Science Gallery, with portraits captured by renowned photographer Kaupo Kikkas. We’ll be sharing the stories of those featured in the exhibition, one by one.
Andres Jõesaar, Associate Professor of Media Policy, Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School
It is often believed that lecturers and scientists always think in the long term. For me, this could not be further from the truth. I have never been one to plan my journey. I have made many changes, none of which have been radical. My life has been smooth and varied.
I attained my first university degree at the Tallinn Polytechnic Institute (now TalTech) in precision mechanics. The turbulent 90s took my life in another direction, and I founded RTV (which a few years later became TV3). Looking back on those years, I can see that my team and I actually knew next to nothing about the television business. However, we managed quite well, learning through doing. I gradually assumed the position of media manager.
My shift to become a lecturer and scientist has been just as gradual. Professor Marju Lauristin once told me at a broadcasting council meeting that my knowledge of media was severely lacking, despite my longtime experience in the field, and that I should study theory at a university. So, in 2005, I attained a Master’s degree. During my graduation thesis defence, Professor Peeter Vihalemm casually but confidently mentioned that I would, of course, be continuing as a PhD student. I would have never expected myself to take the academic path, but so it went. In 2011, I attained a PhD degree in Media and Communication at the University of Tartu.
The biggest professional accomplishment in my life is my doctoral degree. I am genuinely thankful to Professor Marju Lauristin and all the other lecturers who motivated me to finish.
It was a great blessing that I went back to university, especially in a field I had been practising professionally. Translating my experience into an academic context gave me a much better understanding of the world. I can now confidently say that it was right for me to get a second degree. Of course, I do not regret my first degree either. The knowledge and skills I learned during my engineering studies have greatly benefitted me along my life path.
Media studies paved my path to science and Tallinn University. I was invited by Hagi Šein to share my experience in media business and management with students. I liked working with them. I guess both the students and Hagi were happy with my lecture, as I was later invited back. That is how my contact with the university gradually developed, until Katrin Saks, the Director of the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School at the time, one day invited me to compile and launch a Bachelor’s curriculum for crossmedia.
Taking up a full-time job at a university, I had little idea of what to expect. Compared to other professions, working here has been extremely unique and special. The energy that radiates from the students is amazing. It’s what keeps me here. I feel like they teach me as much as I teach them. We learn together. I can speak about my experiences, and sometimes I do know more than them, but the introduction of new technologies, including AI, has dramatically shifted things when it comes to teaching and learning. I am exploring this new world along with my students, so we are learning together.
Working at the university has taught me to always ask why. Why are things the way they are? Previously, I did many things without any academic knowledge. Some were successful, some not. In the 90s, and especially the late 80s, we just started doing things without thinking too much about it. Looking back, we were probably so eager because we did not know any better. Based on my knowledge today, I can say that’s not how things can or should be done. We didn’t know that at the time. We just acted and things got done.
As a scientist, I dream of creating a media space where educated arguments can take place without too much tension. Media should unite people, not divide them. The goal of a scientist is to present clear and concrete arguments to politicians and decision-makers about what should or should not be done.
The joys of being a scientist:
- I am most happy when my research results really matter to someone and if they find practical use. I’ve had multiple experiences like this.
- I enjoy the creative environment at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School and the energy that students bring. It fills me with motivation.
- I value good colleagues.
- I find the international nature of Tallinn University refreshing, especially its foreign students and lecturers and international projects. At the same time, the university places the greatest value on Estonian language and culture.
Career:
- Engineer – 7 years
- Media manager – 24 years
- Scientist – 14 years
Education:
2011 University of Tartu, Doctorate in Media and Communication
2005 University of Tartu, Master’s in Media and Communication
1982 Tallinn Polytechnic Institute, Master’s in Precision Mechanics