What is your full name?
Tengku Siti Aisha Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen
What year did you graduate?
2002
What was your IRK & Human Sciences major in IIUM?
Communication
What is your Current Position & Company?
Lecturer, Department of Communication, IIUM
What are your responsibilities & achievements at this current position?
- Teach undergraduate students communication courses, including preparing lectures, exam materials, and handing assignments
- Supervise student extra-curricular activities
- Handle any other administrative jobs given by the head of department (i.e. organize conferences, attend meetings)
- Carry out research related activities (i.e. conferences, writing articles for journals or book chapters)
Please share your work history, companies you've worked for, your responsibilities in each role and your achievements in those roles
- 2003 - 2004: PE Research Sdn Bhd (Assistant Researcher). Primary responsibility: Assisting in data collection and report writing, and other administrative tasks
- 2004 (6 months): BCE Sdn Bhd (Research Officer), worked on a collaborative research project by IIUM and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), under Prof. Syed Arabi and Prof. Saodah Wok. Primary responsibility: Assisting in data analysis, report writing, and preparing material for presentation
- 2005 - 2007: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Communication, IIUM. Primary responsibility: Assisting lecturers with administrative job. Completed a Masters of Science (Communication Technology), UPM in 2007
- 2007 - 2014: Lecturer, Department of Communication, IIUM. Primary responsibility: Teaching undergraduate students communication courses and conducting scholarly research in the field of communication. Completed a Ph.D. in Communication Studies (Interpersonal Communication), Kent State University, USA in 2014
What are some of the challenges you faced as a IRK & Human Sciences student while you were studying at IIUM?
Some of the student facilities at the time (1999 to 2002) was not available (e.g. computer labs etc), and wanted more hands on experience in certain courses. At the time, also wanted to specialize in Journalism/Print Media, but there was not enough manpower to teach the subjects, so I missed out on the opportunity to major in Journalism/Print Media.
This situation has definitely improved in 2014. We now have a functioning radio station (IIUM FM), a student newspaper (IIUM Today), and other specialized labs that offers plenty opportunities for all communication students (PR, Organisational Communication, Journalism/Print Media, and Electronic Media) in order for them to hone their skills and prepare them for the working environment.
What are some of the challenges you faced as a fresh graduate?
As a fresh graduate, I feel that I did not have enough real-life working experience. Therefore, I had to learn on the job and that was very challenging. Employers expect you to enter the working world well equipped with certain skills, and no matter what you decide to do in terms of career options, it would help very much if you go through internships and get involved in student organizations, to learn hands on skills and acquire the social skills needed for you to survive in the working world.
I was also unsure of what I really wanted to do, so I switched jobs in between and attended a lot of interviews. In the end, I finally found something I enjoyed doing, and will continue to enjoy for a long, long time.
What advice would you give to IRK & Human Sciences students seeking to pursue careers using their qualifications?
Be flexible, ready to learn, and open to experiences. Even if you don't get your dream job right away, small jobs can lead to big opportunities for you in the future. Therefore, treat every job, no matter how menial, seriously.
Networking is also important; be pleasant, cheerful, and professional to everyone you meet in the workplace. The next person you meet may very well be the right person who will offer you that big break you have been waiting for.
What else would you like to tell the IRK & Human Sciences students currently studying at IIUM?
Really enjoy your time in IIUM. It is the best time of your life, and you will miss it dreadfully some day. Don't stress out over small things. Also, mix with different kinds of people as everyone has something to offer.
If you would like to ask more, email to: tengku.s.aisha@gmail.com
