Understanding human connection: Sohadi Yes
Bachelor of Communication (2020)
A Bachelor of Communication at Massey University has taken Sohadi Yes from Rongotai College to the halls of Parliament, where he is a Content Producer and Press Secretary in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. Along the way he won a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (2019), which funded an exchange to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, was recognised with Certificates of Excellence in his communication and public relations courses at Massey and was Co-President of the Massey Association of Communication Students. Sohadi also facilitates opportunities for other rangatahi through his work with the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and writes thought leadership pieces for the Asia Media Centre, including on his Cham Cambodian identity and history, reflecting his passion for building cross-cultural understanding through storytelling.
What drew you personally to a career in communication?
Good storytelling. From a young age, I loved over-analysing TV shows, manga, and even compelling photographs. I grew up believing everything and everyone had a story. A career in communication meant I could help people tell it.
Has it turned out how you expected?
It’s been incredibly fulfilling. From visiting Commonwealth War Graves in Invercargill to writing an urgent speech in a Whangārei hotel, the more experiences I have, the more vindicated I feel in choosing to pursue a career in communication.
Where have you worked and what are some standout moments?
While working at Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, I led communications for the annual broadcast of the adhan (call to prayer) in honour of the 51 shuhada of the March 15 terror attack. It was an incredible privilege and something I continue to hold dear to my heart today as a Muslim.
Where else in your life has having a good set of communication skills proven useful?
To me, being a good communicator means having a strong sense of empathy and being able
to connect with one another on a human level. Developing my skills has certainly made life
more vibrant.
What memories do you have of your BC at Massey?
I have very fond memories of my time at Massey. One particular moment was being the only student to show up to the last day of my PR Management class, after the final assignment had ended. I remain very grateful for the one-on-one career advice I got that day from my super supportive lecturer.
What advice would you give to young people considering a communication career?
A communication career is an incredibly fulfilling path that will take you places you never expected. It’s a career built on understanding human connection and the power of language. Now, more than ever, we need more connectors.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Massey’s Bachelor of Communication degree hasn't just informed my career, it’s informed the way I view the world. It’s enabled me to navigate a world rife with AI-misuse and disinformation. I couldn’t recommend it enough and am very excited to see the achievements of the next 50 years of graduates.