By Samihah Hayikader
I am impressed by the opportunities and facilities provided by the Department of Communication. Since I joined IIUM in 2010 until today I have seen a lot of improvement brought about by the Department which has further increased its image in the Kulliyah and the university. In addition, I found the bond between the students and their lecturers have become stronger. I have benefited a lot by learning new knowledge and exposing myself to good experience.
During this short period I noticed the Department has kept its door open for students to gain real experiences. These services offered for the students are IIUM.fm campus radio, online bulletin IIUMToday and the recently activated Institute of Public Relations Malaysia Students Association (IPRMSA) IIUM Chapter.
IIUM.fmÂ
IIUM.fm is the official Internet radio of IIUM and was officially launched on 26 May 2010Â by former IIUM Rector, Prof. Dato Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid. Electronic media students tend to be involved mostly in IIUM.fm. However, it is open for all students to participate and experience it.
My experience with IIUM.fm is that during previous semesters, from the time IIUM.fm was launched until now, I always used to listen to the radio. The programmes broadcast were really interesting and related to my interests. Even though most of my friends are part of the IIUM.fm team I did not get the opportunity to join the group. This is not because I was not allowed to join the group, but because my concern was more with my studies and I thought it would distract me if I were to join them.
Not until I took Advertising class this semester. My group project was to do a public service announcement (PSA) assignment involving IIUM.fm. It was my first time using an equipment and a recorder behind the radio microphone. I was really impressed and enjoyed the experience and I am planning to be part of IIUM.fm team in my upcoming semesters. This will allow me to gain more experiences for my future.
IIUMToday
IIUMToday has been officially introduced in our campus since April 2014. As a public relations specialised student, this has been a great opportunity for me to practise news writing and write feature articles as it will help me in my future career. Through this platform, I Â would experience the real excitement of being a journalist because I would report and write on events and programmes happening in the campus. Â Also, we will be asked by our lecturers to attend events and get first hand information like what professional journalists do. This opportunity is not restricted to communication students but it is also open to all IIUM community to share their opinions, life styles and so on. I hope to improve on my self-esteem as well as to recognise my strengths and weaknesses by writing for IIUMToday.
Both facilities at IIUM.fm and IIUMToday will keep us involved in activities related with our field of studies. Even though IIUM.fm may appear only for electronic media students, IIUMToday for journalism students and the recently IPRMSA IIUM Chapter for Public Relations students, the opportunities are open to all specialisations. I hope all of us will take part in any of the opportunities offered for us to gain real experiences.
The success of our Department of Communication will not only depend on the lecturers but also from cooperation of the students. It is hoped that in coming years there would be more surprises from the Department in its effort to further improve on the skills and knowledge of its graduates.***
Photo taken from Natcom