Semarang, May 28, 2025 – An inspiring story comes from Athar Raihan, an alumnus of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Communication Science at Diponegoro University, class of 2020. Graduating with honors (Cum Laude) in 2024, Athar is now part of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PMEL) team at Think Policy Indonesia—a social enterprise focused on public policy.

Who would have thought a background in Communication Science could lead to a career in policy-making? Athar’s career journey began with a thesis grounded in behavioral psychology methods. He followed this with an internship at Think Policy, where he gained insights and strategic experience in crafting recommendations for various ministries and government agencies. In his current role on the Monitoring & Evaluation team, he integrates strategic communication, critical thinking, and data analysis to design and assess public policy programs effectively. This seemingly smooth path was built on careful planning, strong commitment, and visionary steps—even before earning his degree, Athar had already secured his first employment contract.

In his current position, Athar is actively involved in public education campaigns such as #BijakMemantau. He is required to combine strategic communication skills with critical thinking to deliver impactful messages to the public and stakeholders. Although public policy is often dominated by graduates of Public Administration and Government Studies, Athar proves that Communication graduates can also make significant contributions in this field.

During his university years, Athar frequently participated in competitions and research projects related to public policy, further solidifying his passion in this area. He also emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and creative writing for Communication students. “Designing effective messages, understanding audiences, and presenting ideas in a structured manner are essential foundations in the professional world,” he shared.

One of the most memorable academic experiences for Athar was participating in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). Through this program, he had the opportunity to study in the Netherlands and delve into topics such as Artificial Intelligence, technology, and tech communication. This international experience broadened his horizons—not only academically but also in fostering interdisciplinary thinking, merging communication science with technology and public policy in a holistic way.

Athar learned to view global challenges from multiple perspectives, realizing that today’s complex issues require collaboration across disciplines. The experience enriched his ability to analyze issues, expand his international professional network, and shape a mindset that is both adaptive and innovative—crucial traits in navigating the global workforce.

Athar also shared an inspiring message for students in UNDIP’s IUP Communication Science program. He highlighted the importance of courage in trying new things and exploring interdisciplinary fields. “Communication Science is broad and highly applicable. Don’t limit yourself to the agency world or traditional communication sectors. Areas like policy, technology, and social development also need the right communication approach,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” he added. What you learn in Communication Science can have a big impact across many sectors, not just one career path.

More than just a degree, Athar Raihan’s journey shows that a strong interest, willingness to explore, and strategic skills enable Communication graduates to make meaningful contributions across diverse professional fields—including shaping public policy in Indonesia.