As a graduate of Universitas Diponegoro with competency certifications earned during her studies in the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (Teknologi Rekayasa Kimia Industri / TRKI) program at the Vocational School, Marlina Yunita Siahaan has secured a position as a Jr. Process Engineer in the Naphtha Cracker (NC) department at PT. Lotte Chemical Indonesia. Marlina, as she is affectionately called, shared her experience of the selection process that led her to join this multinational company headquartered in South Korea.
According to Marlina, the selection process began with a CV screening, where the HR team assessed candidates’ experiences, skills, and relevant educational backgrounds. “At this stage, it is crucial to ensure that your CV stands out and aligns with the position applied for,” said Marlina, who graduated with a GPA of 3.76.
The next stage was a written test consisting of two parts:
- Technical questions, which assessed knowledge and skills in chemical engineering.
- Psychological tests, which evaluated cognitive abilities, logic, and psychological compatibility.
After passing the written test, candidates proceeded to the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) stage, where their collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills were tested in solving chemical industry-related cases.
PT. Lotte Chemical Indonesia is part of the global Lotte Chemical Group, which is currently constructing an ethylene plant in Indonesia, slated to begin operations in 2025. Marlina noted that competition for this position was fierce, with applicants from various regions across Indonesia.
As a fresh graduate without prior work experience, Marlina relied heavily on the activities she participated in during her time on campus. Organizational experience and internships became valuable assets.
“My first internship was at PT. South Pacific Viscose in Purwakarta, Jawa Barat. I was deployed at the production unit for Waste Sulfuric Acid 2 (WSA 2). My second internship was at PT. Kimia Farma Plant in Semarang, where I was assigned to the production division for edible and non-edible oils. From these two experiences, I gained practical insights into how the knowledge I learned in college is applied in the industry,” Marlina explained.
“Thorough preparation was the key to my success,” Marlina said. Her preparation included creating a strong CV, pursuing various relevant certifications, and practicing for the psychological test and FGD. During her studies at TRKI Vocational School, she obtained six certifications:
- Competency Certification and Workshop: “Supervisor for Liquid Chemical Production Process” from the Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi / National Professional Certification Agency.
- ISO 45001:2018 Training by PT. Wealthindo Putrapramesti Perkasa (PJK3 KEMNAKER).
- Career Preparation Training from Elbarac Brata Training & Consulting.
- HIRADC Training (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control) by PT. Wealthindo Putrapramesti Perkasa (PJK3 KEMNAKER).
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Training by PT. Wealthindo Putrapramesti Perkasa (PJK3 KEMNAKER).
- ISO 22000:2018 Training by PT. Wealthindo Putrapramesti Perkasa (PJK3 KEMNAKER).
“In addition, I often practiced interviews independently by compiling a list of potential questions and rehearsing my responses. I found this method very effective, especially in today’s technological era where information and learning resources are easily accessible to support preparation,” she added.
Marlina’s success demonstrates the quality of education at UNDIP Vocational School in producing competitive graduates ready to contribute to the industrial world. May this achievement inspire other students to continue honing their skills and seizing opportunities in the job market. (Endy-SV; ed. DHW)
