UNDIP, Semarang (February 25, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro, through the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, held the 2025 Soft Skills Training with the theme “Challenges and Opportunities for Developing a Successful Career.” This event aimed to equip students with essential skills for entering the workforce and took place at Prof. Soedarto Hall UNDIP on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Representing the Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of enhancing soft skills as a key factor in career success. “Success is not determined by a single factor but by multiple reasons. With outstanding speakers, events like this—held outside the classroom—can have a significant impact on UNDIP students,” he stated.
In today’s highly competitive global job market, students need more than just academic excellence. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability skills are crucial for professional growth. “We hope that both students and alumni will possess not only excellent hard skills but also strong soft skills,” added Prof. Heru.
The first session featured industry experts, including Ade Marina Dwitasari (Head of Talent Acquisition at PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk.), Koeshartanto Koeswiranto (Chairman & Chief Consultant at Ktalents Asia, Indonesia and President Commissioner of Indonesia Coach Channel (ICC) Indonesia). The session was moderated by Drs. Mulyo Hadi Purnomo, M.Hum., ensuring an interactive and insightful discussion.
One of the key presentations, delivered by Ade Marina Dwitasari, was “Interview Tips and Tricks: How to Make a Great Impression in a Job Interview.” She provided in-depth insights into resume writing, confidence-building strategies for interviews, and key differences between CVs and resumes. Participants learned how to craft a professional resume, highlight essential elements, and utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in competency-based interviews.
Ade Marina expressed hope that this training would better prepare graduates for the job market by teaching them practical ways to showcase their skills, experience, and company fit. By understanding recruitment processes more deeply, students can make a strong impression and increase their chances of securing their dream careers.
Koeshartanto Koeswiranto, in his session “Game Plan for Success: Navigating Challenges & Seizing Opportunities to Enter the Job Market,” emphasized that graduates need the right strategies and mindset to succeed in today’s competitive job market. With over 30 years of experience in human resources and business, he shared valuable insights on “Conquering the Job Market with Winning Strategies & Mentality.”
His presentation covered the challenges fresh graduates face, including high job competition, skills gaps, and shifting industry trends due to digitalization and the Industrial Revolution 5.0.
Using an inspirational approach, Koeshartanto highlighted the importance of having a vision, adapting to changes, and developing relevant skills. He encouraged students to build both hard skills (such as digital literacy and data analysis) and soft skills (such as communication and problem-solving).
He also discussed opportunities in the informal sector and the growing gig economy. With the right strategy, strong networking, and an adaptive mindset, new graduates will be better prepared to enter the workforce and achieve success in an increasingly challenging era.
The training continued with an interactive session led by Dr. Unika Prihatsanti, S.Psi., M.A., a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology UNDIP, moderated by drh. Siti Susanti, Ph.D.
In her session, “Strategies in Dealing with Psychological Tests and Job Interviews,” Unika provided expert guidance on psychological test preparation and interview techniques.
In her presentation, Unika, as a Psychologist, reviewed strategies for dealing with psychological tests and job interviews. In this session, participants were given insight into the importance of knowing themselves, understanding psychological test questions, and preparing themselves optimally to face job interviews. The tips provided include company research, analyzing jobs, and understanding the culture of the organization they are targeting.
This training aims to equip students with skills that support their career success. Unika said that mental and technical readiness are critical in facing the job selection process. With a good understanding of psychological tests and interviews, students are expected to be able to increase their chances of getting the job they want.
This Soft Skills Training reflects UNDIP’s commitment to helping students develop essential skills for career readiness. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and strategies, the university aims to empower them to confidently navigate the job market and secure careers that align with their competencies. (DHW – Media Relations)
