Semarang, October 31, 2024 – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through the UNDIP Career Center, successfully held the Career Preparation Class aimed at prospective graduates of the 176th period. The event, attended by 1,020 participants, took place on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Prof. Soedarto, SH Building, UNDIP Tembalang, Semarang. Today’s event was the 7th on-site event held after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering prospective graduates practical insights and guidance in preparing for the challenges of the job market. The event was attended by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D.; Dean of FISIP UNDIP, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin; Vice Dean I of FKM UNDIP, Dr. dr. Sri Winarni, M.Kes.; Director of PT Dana Abadi Diponegoro, Drs. Handojo Djoko Waloejo, MSi; and Director of PT UNDIP Maju, Sri Hunun Hartiyani, S.H.
The Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., delivered a keynote speech and officially opened the event. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of a competence-based approach for graduates. “Graduating from a top university is something to be grateful for. Secondly, competence-based learning is crucial. I often mention the T-shaped model, where the vertical line represents your competence, and the horizontal line represents soft skills, creativity, and leadership. If all these are executed perfectly, it will be outstanding,” he explained.
Prof. Suharnomo stated that in 2022, UNDIP ranked first in Indonesia for graduates who quickly secured employment according to the QS World University Rankings. He expressed his hope that the graduates would have the same attributes as their predecessors.
“Looking at the trend, hopefully, these graduates can have the same attributes as your seniors, such as Mr. Sulis, Ambassador to South Korea. Then four UNDIP alumni are part of Indonesia’s Merah Putih Cabinet: Mr. Abdul Kadir Karding, Chairman of the UNDIP Alumni Association who became the Minister of Migrant Worker Protection; Mrs. Diana as Deputy Minister of Public Works; Mr. Arif Havas Oegroseno as Deputy Foreign Minister, and my student Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak as Vice Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Organizing Agency,” he elaborated.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Suharnomo advised the graduates to seize opportunities and try their best. “If there is an opportunity, take it first, and if it doesn’t fit, leave it or try to love it. Lastly, my advice is not to be lazy all the time and not be too emotional. I quote Jack Ma, who said three things make people successful or not: focus, focus, focus; social marketing as a solution to surrounding problems; and never complaining about anything,” he said.
The event, moderated by Tedhi Irawan, Director of UNDIP Career Center, featured two distinguished speakers who shared their knowledge and experiences. The first presentation was given by Gandi Sulistiyanto Suherman, a national figure who serves as a Member of the Presidential Advisory Council for the 2023–2024 period and former Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea (2021–2023). As an alumnus of UNDIP’s Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, class of ’79, Sulis emphasized the importance of building a network to enhance individual value in the job market.
“As individuals, we must have character and differentiation from those around us. It’s not just education that sets us apart; we need to showcase our skills,” he said.
Sulis outlined vital elements that help individuals stand out in the public eye and be accepted in the workforce. “Whenever I share, I always mention three letters: ASK. First, Attitude – the behavior of a job candidate is the main consideration. Then Skills – these are obtained through practice and continuous experience. Lastly, Knowledge – by networking and interacting with others, our experiences are refined,” he explained.
The final presentation was delivered by Rivana Pratiwi, a News Anchor from CNN Indonesia, who focused on the importance of facing challenges and learning from experiences and failures. Drawing from her extensive career in journalism, Rivana shared stories of her 14-year journey of building her career through ups and downs.
“I was once part of the big UNDIP family, albeit for a short time. I have failed but managed to rise and prove through hard work that I could achieve my dreams,” she shared.
Rivana expressed her hope for UNDIP graduates to be resilient in pursuing their dreams, despite being labeled and stereotyped as Generation Z.
“I believe you can do it. My message is that there is no instant way to succeed; you have to go through the process and face failures. Do what you love, and try to love what you do,” she said.
Through the Career Preparation Class, Universitas Diponegoro hopes that this event will enhance the readiness of graduates of the 176th period to face competition in the job market. UNDIP remains committed to equipping its graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve success in their careers.
