FROM STUDENT PRESS TO THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY: KHESDETOV BANA’S JOURNEY AS A COMMUNITY & CONTENT OFFICER AT COMPASS®
Hello, Fikomers!
In this edition of FIKOM CAREER, let’s get to know Khesedtov Bana, a 2019 graduate of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Gunadarma, who is currently working as a Community & Content Officer at COMPASS®.
Khesedtov’s career journey demonstrates how experiences gained during university can provide an important foundation for entering the professional world. Through academic learning, organizational activities, internships, freelance projects, and volunteer work, he continued to develop his competencies in communication, content creation, community engagement, and brand management.
GETTING STARTED WITH HICOMM STUDENT PRESS
Khesedtov’s journey in the field of communication began when he became actively involved in HICOMM Student Press. This organization provided a learning environment where he gained direct exposure to various communication practices.
Through HICOMM, he learned how to write news stories and articles, conduct field reporting, manage social media, develop content, and work collaboratively within a team. These experiences not only strengthened his technical skills but also developed his discipline, sense of responsibility, and adaptability in dealing with various situations.
His involvement in student press also sharpened his awareness of emerging issues, his ability to construct messages, and his understanding of audience characteristics. These competencies later became valuable assets when he entered the professional world.
EXPANDING HIS EXPERIENCE THROUGH INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS
In addition to being active in campus organizations, Khesedtov broadened his experience through internships, freelance work, and volunteer activities. Each experience gave him the opportunity to understand workplace cultures, identify the needs of clients and organizations, and sharpen his communication skills in different contexts.
These projects helped him build a professional portfolio while strengthening his abilities in content planning, event coordination, digital communication, and brand activation.
His journey demonstrates that career readiness is not developed solely through classroom learning, but also through the courage to explore new opportunities, consistency in gaining experience, and a willingness to continue learning.
COMBINING CONTENT, COMMUNITY, AND BRAND ACTIVATION
In his role as a Community & Content Officer at COMPASS®, Khesedtov combines his experience in content development, community management, and brand activation.
This position requires the ability to understand brand identity, build relationships with audiences, and create relevant and authentic communication. Content does not merely serve as a promotional tool, but also as a medium for developing stronger connections, reinforcing loyalty, and creating shared experiences within a community.
Community management also requires the ability to listen, respond, and maintain relationships consistently. Meanwhile, brand activation demands creativity and coordination to ensure that brand messages are translated into engaging and meaningful activities for the audience.
COMMUNICATION STUDIES AS A PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
Khesedtov’s journey illustrates the broad application of communication studies within the creative industry. Skills in writing, audience analysis, media management, relationship building, and message strategy are essential competencies in professions related to content and community engagement.
His academic and organizational experiences at FIKOM UG helped shape a more structured, adaptive, and collaborative way of thinking. This foundation has supported him in navigating the dynamics of a fast-moving industry that requires continuous growth and development.
Khesedtov encourages students not to hesitate to start early. Experience does not always have to begin with a major project. Organizational activities, internships, volunteer work, and independent projects can serve as initial steps toward identifying personal interests and building relevant competencies.
He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic and building positive relationships. Technical skills are certainly important, but professional conduct, responsibility, consistency, and the ability to communicate effectively with others also play significant roles in career development.
Khesedtov Bana’s journey serves as an inspiration that success is built through a gradual process. The courage to try, the willingness to learn, and consistency in self-development can open various opportunities in the professional world.
Congratulations and best wishes to Khesedtov Bana. May his career continue to grow and inspire Fikomers to begin gaining experience, strengthening their competencies, and confidently creating meaningful work in the communication industry.
