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What Endang says about the programme

Endang Ashfiya

Endang Ashfiya

What did you do before you started studying the Master’s programme in Strategic Communication?

Prior to my Master’s programme in Strategic Communication, I worked as a government relations executive in a business consulting company in Jakarta, Indonesia. I was mainly responsible for the stakeholder’s management, develop a corporate communication strategy for government engagement, and working on Corporate Social Responsibility. In addition to that, I also have had internship experience at one of the biggest tobacco industries in Indonesia in the Marketing Department as a Brand Management intern.

What was the best thing about the programme?

This programme prepares me to pursue a professional career as a communication strategist as well as to be a researcher in the communication field and social sciences in general. The combination of practical knowledge and the depth element of research in this program open my option to pursue a PhD program after the completion of my Master’s program. This program is designed to meet the requirements for a future communication strategist by exposing the students to the companies and communication agencies, as well as to the theoretical knowledge and research methods. Not to mention, I also admire the diversity of people in my batch. We are coming from different nationalities and various educational background which make the discussion in class and during group work so much alive and fruitful.

What was it like to study in Sweden?

Having the experience to live and study in Sweden was one of the best highlights in my life. Sweden provides me with unlimited options to pursue whatever I want. When I was a student, I tried to maximise any opportunities. In Sweden, particularly in Skane area, I was so close to the start-up hub where I could participate in different kind of events. I was exposed to the countless innovation that emphasises on sustainability, human well-being, and the disruptive technology for a better future. Sweden was offering many things I could not have back at my home. I was so privileged to experience that. One of the best highlights was when I was selected to be one of eighteen students from all over Sweden to be a Sustainability Leader through ASAP (A Sustainability Acceleration Project).

What do you currently work with?

After completing my Master’s programme, I aim to pursue a PhD program since it relevant to my future goal. Thus, after graduation, I mostly work in developing research proposals and any preparations for my application to a PhD program. I am so thankful that the support from the teachers and staffs at the Department of Strategic Communication is given not only during my time as a student but also when I am already an alumnus. My teachers are accommodating in providing me with a letter of reference, and they are open for the discussion regarding my PhD application. Besides that, I work on developing my own business in Indonesia, especially in enhancing the communication strategy in expanding my business. I realised that the knowledge that I acquired during my Master’s programme also beneficial for my entrepreneurship journey.

How do you use the knowledge you gained during your studies in your working life?

At least there are two things that I feel significantly improved after my Master’s programme. First, the ability in research and evaluation that acquired from this programme made me a research-based and a data-driven person. It helps me in the decision-making process amidst countless data I could gain in operating my business. Also, the research skills and experience that I gained from this program make me confident in developing research proposals for my PhD applications. Second, I really appreciate the way this program forced us to work in a group. It taught me to be a good listener, a facilitator, and respect people’s ideas.