From UIN Jakarta Public Relations to Ministry PR: Aida’s Journey in the World of Communications
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News – For some, spare time offers a welcome chance to rest. For Aida, however, extended periods of inactivity brought only discomfort. Aida Adha Siregar, a graduate of the Communication and Islamic Broadcasting (KPI) Study Program at the Faculty of Dawah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM), UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, formally graduated during UIN Jakarta's 141st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday (September 12, 2026) at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.84.
Throughout her university years, Aida maintained a rigorous schedule. On campus, she engaged in numerous initiatives—including JTV at the departmental level, The Political Literacy, an AIESEC program, various event committees, and research assistance. Concurrently, she ventured into professional pursuits beyond the classroom, notably entering the field of journalism, which expanded her professional network.
Her growing interest in journalism led her to complete an internship at UIN Jakarta’s Public Information and Relations Center (PIH). Subsequently, she sharpened her professional journalistic skills through an internship at Detik.com. Along the way, interviewing diverse figures created memorable highlights during her undergraduate journey.
One of her most cherished memories involved sources recognizing her during subsequent encounters. For Aida, these moments were deeply rewarding because relationships extended well beyond the initial interview.
“People remembered me, even though I was just a student. Sometimes someone would ask, ‘Aren't you Aida who interviewed me before?’ From there, genuine connections developed—we exchanged contact details, chatted, and occasionally met up for coffee,” she shared.
These interactions cemented her passion for journalism. She viewed the field not merely as a mechanism for gathering and delivering news, but as a bridge connecting information from key stakeholders directly to the public. Producing articles that informed and served others provided her with deep professional satisfaction.
"My journalism experience allowed me to bridge information between stakeholders and the public. I genuinely enjoyed interacting with people, and above all, I found joy in creating a positive impact through writing," she explained.
Beyond journalism, employment was an integral part of Aida's university life. She worked as a live-stream shopping host for a clothing brand owned by one of her lecturers, completed a three-month stint at a creative agency, and supported activities at a foundation for individuals with disabilities.
Managing such a packed daily schedule required strong organizational skills. She noted that she relied not on a complex strategy, but on establishing clear priorities to manage her workload. Furthermore, her outgoing nature fueled her active lifestyle.
“I am naturally a social butterfly. Too much idle time leaves me feeling restless, so I constantly seek out productive activities. I structured my schedule carefully, even when overlaps occurred,” she noted.
Her decision to work while studying was self-driven. Mindful of her younger siblings' educational needs, she sought to lighten her parents' financial load by covering her personal expenses through part-time work alongside her studies.
The diverse experiences Aida gathered as a student did not end at graduation. Today, she serves as a Public Relations Officer at a government ministry—a role closely aligned with media, communications, and public engagement. Her undergraduate activities, particularly her journalistic experience, served as the stepping stones for her career in media and communications.
Although currently working in public relations, her passion for media and journalism remains strong. Aida is considering pursuing a master's degree in a media-related field, though she remains open about her long-term career trajectory.
“I still want to focus on media, journalism, and writing. I might pursue a master's degree in media studies, but if you ask me what my ultimate career goal is, I am still exploring—so I am just letting things unfold naturally,” she reflected.
As she navigates her post-graduation path, Aida offers words of encouragement to current students, advising them to avoid complacency during idle periods and to persevere through their undertakings. For her, every step of the university journey holds intrinsic value, whether or not the immediate outcome is clear.
“Never stay in your comfort zone for too long, and most importantly, take responsibility for the choices you make and finish what you start,” she advised.