2,510 graduates of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) attended a Pre-Graduation Briefing featuring President Director of PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang (Pusri), Maryono, on the second floor of Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP), UGM, on Tuesday (Oct. 27), to equip prospective graduates with insights and guidance to enter the professional world.
During the session, Maryono emphasized producing research and innovations that go beyond academic publications and deliver tangible benefits to industry and society.
“University research should not be conducted merely for the sake of research. It should not stop at publication. Research must have a real impact on industry,” said Maryono, a graduate of UGM’s undergraduate Chemical Engineering program.
Higher education institutions play a strategic role in generating knowledge and innovations applicable to address industrial needs.
“Collaboration between universities and businesses needs to be strengthened so that research findings do not remain confined to academic circles but can also be used to improve performance and address challenges in the field,” he said.
Maryono cited the fertilizer industry, a sector facing challenges that demand innovation, from energy efficiency to the modernization of production facilities. In this context, research findings and collaboration with universities are expected to generate solutions relevant to industry needs.
He also emphasized that postgraduate graduates need to continue developing their skills and broadening their experience. Higher education provides an important foundation, but applying that knowledge in the workplace also requires a willingness to keep learning and take on new challenges.
“Experience is something that cannot simply be learned. So, keep seeking new experiences,” he said.
During the question-and-answer session, Sayid from UGM’s International Relations program asked how Maryono maintained consistent learning and work throughout his career to reach the position of president director. He also raised the challenge of maintaining focus amid social media habits that can shorten attention spans.
In response, Maryono acknowledged that maintaining consistency was not easy. He shared his experience of running, although he did not initially enjoy it. He started with five-kilometer runs before participating in longer-distance running events.
“One of the things that helps people maintain consistency is having a goal to work toward. That goal can motivate them to keep making an effort, even when they encounter difficulties or feel like giving up,” he explained.
He also shared that his learning journey continued after entering the professional world. With a background in chemical engineering, Maryono studied economics and later pursued a doctorate in agribusiness. His educational journey illustrates the importance of continuously developing and broadening one’s knowledge.
This message is particularly relevant to prospective graduates entering a new chapter after completing their postgraduate studies. Academic achievements must be matched with a willingness to keep learning, seek new experiences, and set clear goals throughout one’s career.
On the same occasion, Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, representing the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama), congratulated UGM’s prospective postgraduate graduates. He commended the participants for completing their academic journeys at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
“These achievements should not remain merely personal academic accomplishments but should serve as a foundation for graduates to make broader contributions to society, the nation, and their alma mater,” he said.
According to Dr. Suryatmojo, postgraduate education not only develops intellectual capacity but also strengthens the ability to apply their knowledge in the public interest.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with fellow alumni through Kagama. With an alumni network spanning various professional fields, graduates are expected to stay connected, support one another, and contribute to UGM’s development and society.
“Kagama has approximately 360,000 alumni. This network is an important asset for strengthening alumni contributions, including supporting various UGM activities in communities,” he said.
Through this preparatory session, prospective graduates are expected to take the next steps in their careers and apply the knowledge and experience they gained throughout their studies. A commitment to continuous learning, impactful innovation, and maintaining connections with their alma mater will provide a strong foundation for their contributions after graduating from UGM.
Author: M. Aidil Syahputra
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto