Finance Director of PT Sinar Niaga Sejahtera, Nanang Febrianto, delivered a talk to prospective graduates of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Monday (Oct. 20) at the 2nd floor of Grha Sabha Pramana. Through the Alumni Talks session, he shared his career journey that led to his current position and advised the graduates to pursue work aligned with their passions.
“Before becoming a professional in finance, I once worked as a teaching assistant. Even after graduation, I was offered a permanent lecturer position, but I chose to enter the industry because it matched my passion better,” explained Febrianto.
Before presenting the main material on competencies required in the professional world, Febrianto introduced Sinar Niaga Sejahtera, a subsidiary of Garuda Food Group, which is engaged in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
He explained that the company’s mission is to continuously foster innovation as a key driver for transformation and sustainable value creation. He also highlighted the concept of growing together.
“Our guiding principle is interdependent co-arising; we grow together with our environment and our team,” he said.
According to Febrianto, there are three main types of competencies needed in the industry. The first is behavioral competence, which relates to conduct and ethics. He recalled his college experience, where his lecturers consistently emphasized the importance of ethics in the workplace.
“The way we behave shapes how others perceive us,” he noted.
The second is leadership competence. Febrianto emphasized that leadership is essential in every role within a company.
“Leadership doesn’t always mean managing a large group. It’s about how we communicate, develop our teams, and make wise decisions,” said Febrianto.
The third is technical competence, which involves mastering technical skills relevant to one’s area of expertise.
UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, encouraged the 2,335 prospective graduates to go beyond merely fulfilling academic requirements. He urged them to respond to the challenges faced by industries, the government, and society at large.
“Fulfilling duties and obligations is important, but the current era requires us to take initiative. We must use our knowledge to engage and contribute to society,” said Dr. Sujito.
Meanwhile, Mas Yanto Herlianto, Head of the Department of Community and Village Development, encouraged the new graduates to actively join Kagama, UGM’s alumni network, as a platform for collaboration, service, and sharing of experiences.
“Build connections and continue to support one another. Always uphold UGM’s good name and contribute positively to the nation,” he concluded.
Author: Salwa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi