Interning Since the First Semester, UNM Student Joins PT Mahaka's Social Media Team
Entering the first semester of study is usually associated with an adaptation period. Yet this does not fully apply to Muhammad Rifal Rustia Padilah, a student in the Digital Business programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM).
Amid his busy schedule as a new student, Rifal has nonetheless stepped into the professional world through an internship programme under PT Mahaka. He joined the social media team for two recreation units, Keong Emas and Go! Wet.
The opportunity is regarded as special. Rifal was trusted to take on the roles of videographer and digital content editor, responsibilities typically handled by seasoned practitioners.
“Honestly, it’s incredibly exciting to be trusted to join the social media team under PT Mahaka. I’m still in my first semester, yet I’ve been given the opportunity to take on the roles of videographer and editor at once. It feels like a head start, learning directly in the field before theory in class,” Rifal said.
In his daily work, Rifal produces various visual content for digital promotional needs. He interacts directly with visitors, especially children who are the main target audience of the recreational attractions.
He says the experience not only hones technical content production skills but also builds mental resilience and communication skills.
“The best part is that I often meet very active children. It’s tiring but enjoyable. From that I learned to stay calm when filming. I was even invited to take part on the sales side, so I could directly feel how to offer products to prospective customers,” he said.
The internship experience has also shaped Rifal’s discipline in balancing his studies with professional work. He acknowledges he must carefully divide his time between academic tasks and content production deadlines.
Head of the Digital Business Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri, Lia Mazia, praised the achievement. Lia explained that Rifal’s success shows that digital-generation students have significant opportunities to enter the industry from the outset of their studies.
“We encourage students not to wait until graduation to gain experience. The digital industry moves quickly, so students need to be adaptable, willing to try, and build a portfolio from the early semesters,” she said in a press release received on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
She added that the UNM Digital Business Programme curriculum is designed to align with industry needs, particularly in the fields of digital content, marketing, and technology-based business development.
“What Rifal has achieved is a tangible example that classroom learning can run in parallel with field practice. This aligns with Universitas Nusa Mandiri’s commitment as a Digital Business Campus that prepares graduates ready for work and ready to compete,” said Lia.
Rifal’s story reflects a shift in student learning patterns in the digital era. The industrial world is increasingly open to young talents, including new students who possess relevant competencies.
“This step shows that readiness for the working world can begin even in the first semester. For students, university study is not only about academic marks, but also about seizing opportunities and building a professional track record from an early stage,” Lia added.