For many English Language and Literature students, career prospects often seem limited to language teaching or translation. However, this common assumption has been disproven by Putri Ohorella, a 2019 alumna of the English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), who now works as a Public Relations Officer at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya.

Putri’s academic journey began when she transferred from an associate degree program in English to a bachelor’s degree program in English Literature at UNAIR, where she focused on linguistics. Studying at UNAIR was a dream come true for Putri because of the university’s prestigious reputation and academic excellence, which provided an ideal environment for both personal and intellectual growth. Her decision to focus on linguistics was driven by a deep curiosity about how language shapes the human mind, facilitates communication, and enables people to understand one another.

Furthermore, Putri has always viewed higher education as a long-term investment. “I have always viewed education as a long-term investment. As a woman who may one day become a mother, I believe that a mother is a child’s first role model and teacher. That is why I want to educate myself so that I can pass my knowledge on to my future children. The more educated you are, the more you can educate others,” she said.

During her studies, Putri gained practical experience as a teaching assistant and completed her internship in the education sector. After graduating, she spent approximately a year working as a mentor at Kampung Inggris Pare, where teaching became a valuable training ground for her professional development. She had to adapt quickly because her students ranged from kindergarten children to corporate professionals, each with different learning needs and communication styles.

One particularly memorable experience was teaching an employee of an Indonesian mining company, an opportunity she regarded as a great honor. These experiences strengthened her ability to adapt her communication style when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. She further developed this ability through a temporary freelance role as a Customer Service Officer for the Voluntary Social Program at Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI).

After gaining experience in both education and customer service, Putri reached a turning point in her career when she applied for a public relations position at ITS. The role required strong English proficiency and public speaking skills, particularly for hosting formal events as a Master of Ceremonies. Although she had no prior experience in institutional public relations, she embraced the opportunity with the support and encouragement of her colleagues.

Interestingly, when asked about her transition from teaching to public relations, Putri said that she did not experience significant culture shock. For her, both professions are rooted in the same fundamental principle: effective communication. “The transition from teaching to public relations was not particularly shocking because both fields rely on effective communication. It is not only about speaking with correct grammar but also about delivering messages in a way that can be clearly understood and well received by others,” she explained.

As she settled into her new position, Putri also had to adjust to the demands and responsibilities of her work. Working at a major institution like ITS naturally involves intense and demanding days. When her workload becomes hectic, she relies on time management to stay on top of her responsibilities. Putri tries to manage her busy schedule by setting clear priorities, determining which tasks require immediate attention and which can be completed later, while remaining flexible when new responsibilities arises. However, she also admits that, like many people, she sometimes pushes through fatigue and forgets to rest in an effort to complete everything. Throughout the process, she has had to overcome several personal challenges, particularly while adapting to the demands of her role as a Public Relations Officer at ITS.

One of the most surprising things about Putri is that she considers herself an introvert. Working in public relations has continuously pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “The biggest challenge for me in public relations is doing things that I have never experienced before. As an introvert, I have had to meet many new people and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. It can be quite challenging, especially at a large institution like ITS,” she shared. Currently, Putri applies her skills as a Public Relations Officer at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. Her responsibilities include serving as a Master of Ceremonies at formal campus events, coordinating the university’s social media team, managing event protocols, and mentoring the ITS Ambassadors.

Throughout her professional journey, Putri has emphasized the relevance of an English Language and Literature degree to a career in public relations. Her proficiency in English gives her a significant advantage, especially because her job often requires her to welcome international delegates. From writing persuasive social media captions to making scripts, her academic background in English Language and Literature has prepared her well for her current role.

At the end of the interview, Putri shared several valuable principles with current English Language and Literature students. She emphasized that building a strong portfolio and participating in organizations are just as important as pursuing formal education. Employers today look beyond academic degrees and seek candidates who possess a balance of soft and technical skills, as well as the ability to make a practical contribution to an organization. She encourages students to remain confident and never limit themselves. “For English students, do not worry because we already possess fundamental language skills. Do not limit yourself when applying for jobs. We never truly know which job suits us until we try it. What is meant for you will find its way to you, so do not be afraid to explore different opportunities as long as they align with your skills. Keep your spirits high, and never stop learning new things!”

Journalist: Fanny Charenina Yulistya

Editor: Nadiyah Sari Muhaimin