Dwi Nicken Tari: "IMS was a perfect fit for me"

After graduating in 2024, International Media Studies alumna Dwi Nicken Tari is working as an editor in her home country of Indonesia.

Neue IMS-Studierende 2022 | Tari Dwi
Image: Jennifer Pahlke/DW

Why did you choose to be part of the IMS program?

I chose to study IMS because it offers a wide range of media subjects taught by experienced journalists, academics, and senior managers who are experts in the media industry.

Personally, I was always interested in learning more about journalism in Germany ever since I was doing my undergraduate studies. The media industry in Germany is more advanced than in Indonesia and DW hosts Global Media Forum each year in Bonn, where IMS can attend. So, IMS was a perfect fit for me! Although I had to work harder during my studies, it was all worth it in the end.

Which career path did you take since graduating from the International Media Studies program?

I have returned to my previous employer, Bisnis Indonesia Group, a leading economic and financial news media outlet in Indonesia and have continued my role as an editor.

Which skills you acquired in the program do you apply in your work practice?

Now that I have gained new knowledge from IMS, I continue writing about economics and delivering high-quality information through multimedia. I have deepened my understanding of multimedia through courses on new media and media convergence and I am eager to explore how “Transmedia Storytelling” can work best in Indonesia.

Currently, besides writing and editing, my editorial team collaborates with the IT department to develop comics and engaging interactive infographics to present the news. Beyond my editorial skills, I also learned a lot about agile project management and media management, which have greatly supported my daily routines now.

Can you tell us about the experiences you gained through taking part in the International Media Studies program?

Personally, I gained so many experiences through the IMS program that it would take a cup or two of tea to talk about them all! However, the most memorable experience for me was the Media Practice Week — a week where I could learn from a media specialist, such as a journalist or a PR manager, about how media practices are conducted in Germany.

Since my professional career has always been in journalism, the Media Practice Week gave me the opportunity to explore beyond that. For example, I learned about AI and how to handle crisis situations as a PR manager. I also enjoyed the mobile journalism workshop, where we delivered news through Instagram reels.

Is there anything you would like to share with future IMS students and graduates?

I am aware that every experience is subjective and personal. For me, studying in the IMS program has been a significant step in both my professional and personal development. I hope that future IMS students and graduates can gain as much from the program as I did. Enjoy your studies and maintain a good life balance!

Dwi Nicken Tari graduated from the International Media Studies program in 2024.