Surabaya – Entering the workforce is an important phase for students after completing their higher education. To prepare prospective graduates for this transition, the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held a career preparation session as part of the 263rd UNAIR Graduation Preparation Program on Friday (28/8/2026).
The session was delivered by Rima Firdaus, S.Hum., M.Hum. from the UNAIR Center for Career and Alumni Impact (PKKA). During the session, prospective graduates gained insights into alumni career paths, preparation for entering the workforce, and the importance of building a strong personal brand.
Tracer Study and Alumni Career Paths
One of the main topics discussed was the alumni tracer study conducted by FPK UNAIR. The data showed diverse career paths among graduates after completing their studies, ranging from professional and industrial sectors to entrepreneurship and further education at higher levels.
The tracer study serves as an important instrument for mapping alumni activities and assessing the relevance of competencies acquired during their studies to current workforce needs. Through this understanding, prospective graduates are expected to begin determining their career directions and preparing relevant competencies.
This initiative also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening graduates’ readiness to adapt to and navigate the dynamics of the professional world.
Preparing for Recruitment and Building Personal Branding
Rima also shared insights into preparing for the recruitment process. Professional platforms such as LinkedIn can help graduates discover career opportunities while expanding their professional networks. Job applicants should also prepare CVs that clearly present their competencies, experiences, and potential.
In addition, she highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint. According to Rima, approximately 70 percent of recruiters conduct social media screening when assessing potential candidates. Therefore, social media should be considered part of a strategy to build a positive and professional personal image.
“When building a career, the most important thing is to be willing to go through the process and learn from every job. Do not rush to become a ‘job hopper,’ because moving too frequently without building strong experience can make your career journey start over from the beginning,” said Rima.
Building Confidence When Facing Recruiters
The session became more interactive when Farudin, a prospective graduate from the Fisheries Product Technology (THP) Study Program, asked about strategies for gaining the attention of HR professionals. In response, Rima emphasized the importance of confidence, an optimistic attitude, and the ability to communicate experiences and competencies clearly and effectively.
Through this career preparation session, FPK UNAIR and PKKA UNAIR strengthened graduates’ readiness to enter the professional world while reflecting the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration in supporting alumni career development.
Writer: Alejandro Ahmad Zuhayr
Editor: TPA
