Rapid development of technology has changed the social and economic structure among people. This creates extraordinary dynamics in various sectors.
Related to this issue, UGM as the leading university has the responsibility to generate graduates that can adapt to such dynamics. UGM hopes a strong synergy with partner companies and institutions to make learning at UGM up to date.
According to UGM Executive Secretary, Drs. Gugup Kismono, M.B.A., Ph.D., "UGM has long faced a serious challenge in generating best graduates to support the state to be more competitive in the global community,” he said in Jogjakarta Room, Hotel Santika Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (26/4) when opening Workshop and Focus Group Discussion event titled Graduate Employability.
Gugup said the graduates that lack in communication skills made UGM graduatess in the graduate emploibility survey behind ITB and UI. In fact, communication is an important character that is sought by companies.
"As high as 86 percent of companies said that communication was the main thing, followed by soft skills, especially team work, and international experience. Those are our challenges for the future,” he said.
The success of a number of graduates from UGM in elections of regional leaders, said Gugup, made UGM graduates come under the spotlight. This is something to ponder upon for UGM because those that used to be student activists finally have good political skills and comunication skills.
The Workshop and Focus Group Discussion: Graduate Employability last from 26-27 April 2017 under two themes: relevance of graduate quality to work market demand and partnership for enhancement of science and technology development and innovation at higher learning.
Companies representatives, Yoga Sadana from PT. Siger Jaya Abadi, said companies generally need no high qualification, the essential thing is for graduates to have the willingness to learn.
Meanwhile, Ir. Ketut Muwaranata from PT. Danone hopes university graduates have functional skill, leadership, and technical skill for the progress of the company.
"Leadership is most important, so university graduates have to be role models for others as they are expected to empower them in resolving a problem,” he said.