ASTRO Stint Invaluable for INTI Mass Comm Student’s Learning Experience

A 16-week internship with ASTRO had brought Tan Sze Shuen a step closer to her dream of becoming an anchorwoman. The opportunity to impress her employers with her determination and abilities had also enabled the student of INTI International University’s Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) programme to greatly enhance her learning experience and individual development. 

Sze Shuen served in ASTRO’s Regulatory and Industry Affairs Department where she gained valuable exposure to media regulatory issues. She supported her colleagues in regulating programmes to be aired and in resolving any grievances that may arise. Through the department’s close links with its stakeholders, in particular the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Commission Malaysia, she learned the significant roles and responsibilities of internal regulators.

“I gained a lot of knowledge and experience, especially in the areas of regulation and compliance to a code of conduct in the media industry. A lot of the tasks and activities that I worked on during my internship were familiar as they relate to topics covered in my course. What I learnt in the classroom was definitely relevant to the workplace,” said Sze Shuen, who added that being self-driven, independent, and willing to go the extra mile were advantages that had helped her along the way.

According to her, the projects and activities that were part of her degree studies had prepared her well for working life and had made the transition almost seamless. She added that internship was a good opportunity to put into practice the knowledge that she had acquired in the classroom.

“In journalism class, we were assigned by lecturers to do news reporting just like how real reporters do it. We had to gather news, conduct interviews, write stories and also produce a newspaper of our own, though on a smaller scale. All these had prepared me for the industry as I had a good picture of what the industry is about, as well as the nature of the job,” said Sze Shuen. 

The Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) programme at INTI International University covers the characteristics and intricacies of the media’s role in society, in order to convey messages effectively, through the aid of critical thinking skills. Students will master the art of developing key messages and writing news releases in a dynamic way. As potential public relations or advertising specialists, they will also learn the strategies for building and promoting brands. 

Those who choose to pursue a degree in Mass Communication at INTI can expect to develop persuasive and creative skills as well as strengthen their capability for critical and analytical thinking while emphasizing professional standards. Internship opportunities with leading organisations such as ASTRO, The Star and others will prepare them well for the media industry. They also have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and ability to conceptualise, plan and execute an entire advertising campaign, as well as handle the event management and publicity aspect of it through team projects.

“When you successfully complete the course, you leave with not only a certificate but also the ability to take on the challenges of the industry,” said Roberto Calleja, Head of INTI’s Mass Communication programme. “The programme’s approach to media studies addresses the artistic, creative and practical challenges posed by the mass communication industry. With a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) qualification, you will have a good understanding of the strengths and characteristics of the different media as well as society, to convey the required message in the most effective manner.”

For more information on the Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) programme, please contact 06-798 2000 or visit INTI’s website: www.newinti.edu.my.