The GECI Master’s degree through the eyes of its students

The GECI Master’s degree is a two-year program in digital media and communication management offered at Lumière University Lyon 2 (France) for 20 years now. This article gathers students’ perspectives on the program to help you better understand its value and experience. Whether you’re considering applying or just curious, dive into our insights and see if this degree is the right fit for you!

What you’ll learn: courses and skills

The GECI Master’s program provides a versatile skill set in digital communication, content strategy and project management. As Alvin puts it: “By balancing theory and practice, this program provides us with cross-functional skills essential for adapting to the demands of the digital industry.”

The first and second years offer distinct experiences, with the second year being more professionally oriented. Students develop expertise in:

• Digital communication and web strategy – Learning to create and manage impactful online campaigns.
• Content Creation and Editorial – Working on written content to add value to our projects.
• Graphics and web design – Mastering design tools and understanding the current digital trends.
• Social media and community management – Engaging and growing online audiences.
• Project management – Developing leadership skills, learning to manage teams, and organize our work efficiently through group and individual projects.

As Maelle said: “We learned about the many different aspects of these professions in order to develop a wide range of skills.”

Throughout the program, we mastered a range of essential digital tools. Among them we discovered content management platforms like Meta Business Suite, graphic design tools such as Figma, performance analysis monitoring with Semrush, Google Analytics and of course social networks like Facebook, Instagram, X or TikTok. « The media will hold no secrets for you anymore ! » 

With these tools « we create engaging and adaptable content by producing texts, videos, infographics or podcast« , Camile points out. 

But the program goes beyond technical skills, focusing on strategic thinking, audience engagement and problem-solving. Andrea highlights that “the program cultivates adaptable, future-ready graduates ready to shape the digital world”.

This comprehensive learning is possible thanks to the diversity of the teaching staff. With courses led by university lecturers and digital communication professionals, we gain a well-rounded perspective. According to Clara: “This mix allows us to learn from academic research while practising real communication cases with professionals.”

Hands-on experience: class projects and real-world applications

A key strength of the GECI Master’s program is its focus on real-world experience. We participate in practical projects that develop essential skills :

• JuniorLab: A one-week challenge where we act as small communication agencies, responding to real client briefings.
• Commissioned project: Developing a fully functional website for an actual client, blending technical expertise with project management. “Your professional attitude is key to success”, highlights Rémi.
• The webzine: A collective project where we create a website dedicated to the master’s degree, mirroring the structure of a real communication agency.

This last project is a major highlight of the second year: the Webzine takes us from conception to distribution. The entire class collaborates on graphic design, website construction, content writing and SEO. According to Lea: “This project is an opportunity to apply knowledge, enhance teamwork skills and gain valuable experience that directly prepares us for the professional world.”

These experiences bridge the gap between theory and industry expectations, ensuring that we graduate with practical skills, confidence and a strong professional mindset.

How the GECI master prepares you for the professional world

The goal of the program is to ensure a rapid professional integration after graduation. That is why, by the second year, the program becomes even more professionally focused, helping us develop real skills that stand out in the job market. “I really felt that I was developing real skills that I could highlight during my search for an internship”, shares Maelle.

A key feature of the program is its work-study or internship opportunities in the second year. We can choose between both options, with cadets typically spending two days a week in a company and three days at university. Matthew highlights the importance of this balance: « This rhythm is great because it lets me take what I learn in class and use it right away in the workplace. This mix of learning and doing helps me grow and understand the field better. » 

From mid-February to September, cadets work full-time in their company while interns begin their placements, gaining hands-on experience and taking on greater responsibilities. 

Chloe shares her experience: “I believe one of the principal benefits of this degree is the opportunity to participate in a work-study program or internship. It has been a highly positive experience, allowing me to gain knowledge, discover a professional workspace and acquire valuable job experience to highlight on my resume.”

Beyond the classroom, Lyon is a vibrant city with many opportunities for internships and networking, making it an ideal place to kickstart a career in digital communication and content management.

The GECI Master is more than just a degree: it’s a gateway to the professional world. It ensures that graduates leave with both strong theoretical knowledge and valuable hands-on experience to thrive in today’s digital landscape. GECI Master’s degree graduates become versatile professionals ready to tackle the challenges of communication in the digital era.

Curious about your potential career options? Read our article on the different career paths after a GECI Master’s degree!