After completing their studies at the collegiate level, students face new challenges. Most graduating students might have got a job or plan to continue their studies to a higher level. However, many prospective graduates are still confused because they have no clear vision of what they want to do.
College graduates today are faced with very tough competition in search of work, so they randomly applied for a job and ended up in a profession that is not desirable. As a result, many of them will easily get bored and move from one job to another.
"When you decide to work, we must determine what we will actually pursue. In the world of work we can not have it all, therefore, we need to set priorities," said by the commissioner of PT Phapros, Drs. Masrizal Achmad Syarif, Apt., in a briefing of graduation, Tuesday (16/2), at Grha Sabha Pramana of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
The alumnus of Faculty of Pharmacy who had a career in one of the governmental institution is now enjoying his profession as a businessman. He also invites the graduating students not to be afraid of entrepreneurship, although they don’t have a basic knowledge or experience in entrepreneurship yet. This, he says, can be studied over time, if you have willingness and determination. "If you have made the decision, do it with focus and commitment. I'm sure you can succeed," he said.
In addition, he expressed the importance of soft skills in the working world . Everyone should be able to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of themselves so that they can develop qualities that are required in their work and become a person who is confident in establishing relationships with others.
Alumnus of Faculty of Medicine, who currently serves as Regent of Kulon Progo, dr. Hasto Wardoyo, Sp.OG (K), shared this view. As a doctor, he has faced a wide range of patients, whether living in rural and urban areas. When encountering different characters of patients, it takes communication skills and a good social skill. Therefore, he stressed the importance of communication skills in establishing professional relationships by learning to pay attention and listen to others.
Hasto recounted his experience after completing his studies and decided to become a doctor to serve in remote areas of Borneo. At that time, he assumed that such areas were more in need of a doctor than in urban areas. Although public services and health facilities were very limited, he quite enjoyed his job. He wished the graduates have a similar passion to serve and use his knowledge for the sake of the nation.
Graduating students are also required to have good moral and mentality. He observed the phenomenon of the moment when people pursue prestige by buying luxury items they do not really need. "Don’t be those people. (They) Have no achievements, but are already looking for prestige. Young people should be able to demonstrate achievement first, working to develop the nation," he added.