Having graduated in 2015 with a Bachelors (Hons) in International Communication Studies, Athira Nortajuddin, a University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) alumna shares her career journey with us.
Currently working as a digital journalist at The ASEAN Post, Athira talks to us about the ups and downs of her job.
One of the biggest challenges Athira had to face was adjusting to the COVID-19 changes, which meant that she had to work from home just three months of her new posting. Choosing to see the bright side of things, Athira agrees that there are numerous benefits to working from home, however, she also admits that online meetings are not as effective as physical meetings.
The rewards she reaps from her job, however, certainly keep her going.
“The best part about my work is really seeing the articles I have written get published. I put a lot of research and effort into each article in hope to educate the public about a particular subject. So, it is quite rewarding knowing that people are reading the articles and discussing them,” she says modestly.
Athira intends to maintain her career as a digital journalist but as of late, she has taken an interest in digital marketing and has come to enjoy it. While she treats it as a hobby for now, she hopes to be able to use her new-found knowledge in her future.
Athira admits to having set her eyes on UNM at the tender age of 16 and discovered a love for writing while pursuing her degree at the University. She started her career as an intern at a lifestyle magazine during her summer breaks at UNM, before pursuing master’s degree in Media, Communication, and International Journalism in 2016.
Her time at UNM was precious to her and she reveals that her fondest memories are of when she was rushing through her deadlines in the computer labs.
“I miss being a student of UNM, to be frank. I miss late-night studying in the TCR, I miss going for events like the Tri-Campus Games and Spring Ball. I even miss walking around the lake!” Athira admits, when asked about what she missed the most about UNM.
“A piece of advice I would give to students is to take part in activities and competitions in university. And even though it is not compulsory for us to intern, use your summer breaks well. These will come in handy when you’re working.”
Get involved with our Career Journey series - share your journey with us by dropping an email at AlumniRelations@nottingham.edu.my
Posted on 26th February 2021