Success stories of our graduates 4
The Journey of a Graduate Finding His Own
For some, a career path is determined not only by their choice of profession but also by the environment in which they were raised. Bakyt Asanov—a 2011 graduate of the Journalism Department at Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University and the current Director of Radio Azattyk—is a prime example. His journey from his student years to the present stands as a testament to constant searching, practical experience, responsibility, and self-confidence.
“Manas Was a Conscious Choice”
Since his school years, Bakyt Asanov stood out for his interest in the social sciences and humanities. While he initially dreamed of becoming a journalist or a lawyer, he eventually set his sights firmly on journalism.
For him, choosing a university meant more than just obtaining a diploma; it was about finding quality education and an environment conducive to growth. After researching Manas University’s modern technical infrastructure and educational system, he made the conscious decision to enroll in the Faculty of Communication. Positive references from a relative who studied there further solidified his choice.
Asanov highlights the university's dormitory facilities as a vital support system for students coming from outside Bishkek. He notes that spending five years in the dormitory allowed him to experience every facet of student life and build a strong social network. Furthermore, he places great value on the opportunity to learn Turkish: "It wasn’t just about learning a language; it was about opening a door to a new world," he says, summarizing the vision the education provided him.
“Manas Teaches Students Self-Respect”
Asanov describes himself as a dedicated student who spent his five years between the campus and the dormitory. However, his time was not limited to lectures; he was active in social activities, working at the university radio station, serving on the Student Council, and editing the faculty newspaper, Manas.
According to Asanov, the academic honesty, freedom of thought, and egalitarian relationships with professors fostered a deep sense of self-esteem and self-worth. He views this period as the most critical stage of his personal development. "The relationship between professors and students was built on a human foundation, not just formality. You could openly express your ideas, debate, and ask questions—this was a great opportunity. These qualities became my most important guides in both my professional and private life."
Reflecting on the past, he remains certain of his path: "If I could turn back time, I would choose Manas again without hesitation. My social standing, worldview, and values at the time would have led me straight to this school." While loyal to his choice, he offers a small self-criticism: if he were a student again, he would strive to use his time even more efficiently, master languages like English and German more deeply, and be even more active socially.
“Waiting Until After Graduation to Look for Work is a Major Mistake”
For Asanov, the third year of university was the true turning point in his professional journey. From that point on, he began merging theoretical knowledge with the real media world, collaborating with various newspapers and news websites.
He credits his work at the university radio station for teaching him the "language of technology," including microphone techniques, live broadcast culture, and the nuances of editing. His experience as an editor for the Manas newspaper taught him the logic of text, methods of information presentation, and editorial responsibility.
"Manas provided me with a solid foundation; we were ready as professional specialists by the time we graduated," says Asanov. He offers a crucial piece of advice to today's students: move away from the old mindset of "I'll look for a job after school." Instead, he suggests balancing work and study while opportunities are plentiful. Researching the job market, attending training, and working part-time while still a student helps one adapt to real life early and develop a sense of responsibility.
Merging State Experience with Field Work
Asanov’s professional career began at Azattyk immediately after his graduation in 2011. His professionalism quickly gained recognition at the state level; in 2015, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff for then-Prime Minister Temir Sariev. This role allowed him to see the inner workings of government administration. "Being a journalist is one thing, but seeing what happens inside the government firsthand allowed me to understand processes deeply and build an extensive network," he explains. This experience later enabled him to communicate more effectively with news sources upon his return to the media sector.
His interest in political and social issues was shaped during his university years through his work on youth policy and language issues. This multifaceted experience—both in the field and in state administration—was a key stepping stone to his appointment as Director of Radio Azattyk in 2022. Today, Asanov continues his work in media as an executive who understands the intricacies of government while remaining loyal to the principles of journalism.
“In the Media of the Future, Only the Knowledgeable and Confident Will Stand Out”
Asanov notes that the media sector has undergone a radical transformation over the last 15 years due to technological advancements. Journalists now compete not only with their colleagues but also with Artificial Intelligence. He believes this digital transformation is causing a contraction in the sector, leading to smaller newsroom staffs—a trend he expects to continue.
In this new media order, characterized by high stress and great responsibility, the requirements for survival have become more stringent. Asanov argues that technical knowledge alone is no longer enough to make a difference; a deep well of knowledge and unshakable self-confidence are now the deciding factors for professional success.
Digital Literacy: A Necessity of the Age
To secure a place in the modern job market, young specialists must be exceptionally flexible and versatile. Asanov warns that while illiteracy used to mean being unable to read or write, today it means not knowing modern trends or the language of technology. He stresses the importance of language learning, noting that Manas University students—who already know Kyrgyz, Russian, and Turkish—gain a massive advantage in multi-faceted information analysis by adding further foreign languages.
He maintains that no matter how much technology advances, AI cannot fully replace human linguistic intuition and analytical thinking. The goal is to become an expert who does not just use technology but commands it. He advises young professionals to never stop learning and to remain open to change.
“I Am Proud to Have Been Raised in the Right Environment”
Asanov places special emphasis on the bonds formed and the environment inhabited during his student years. He believes that personal and professional growth is determined not just by information, but by the people and values that surround an individual.
His university peers—Kasym Kubatbekov, Jibek Begalieva, Aziza Kultaeva, and Ayganysh Abdraeva—have all become successful names in their respective sectors. Asanov views their success as a result of both their individual efforts and the high-quality circle of friends they shared. "Every member of our group became the best at what they do. I am proud to have been raised in such an environment."
Today, those student friendships have evolved into strong professional collaborations. Furthermore, the professor-student relationship has transformed over time; Asanov now exchanges ideas and works on projects with his former teachers as colleagues. For instance, he now works alongside his former mentor, Bakyt Orunbekov, as a peer. This serves as a concrete example that education is not just about a diploma, but a lifelong academic and professional continuity.
“Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability”
For Bakyt Asanov, success is not merely about a title or a career ladder. He believes human values must come before professional competence. "Every individual, regardless of their profession, wants to provide a good future and upbringing for their children. For me, the ultimate goal is to be a good father, a good person, and an honorable member of society."
His greatest guiding principle remains the words of his university professor: " Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability." While he admits he didn't fully grasp the depth of this advice as a student, he has come to understand its meaning through experience. Regardless of his position, approaching every task with maximum precision and a high sense of responsibility remains his indispensable principle.
