Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), organized the Graduate Career Preparation Program for the June 2026 Graduation Period on Friday (June 19, 2026) as part of its commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the professional workforce. The event brought together 24 graduating students along with their parents and guardians, who were invited to support the graduates as they embarked on the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.
The program featured speakers from Universitas Airlangga, distinguished alumni, and representatives of the FPK UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA Komisariat FPK UNAIR), who shared valuable insights into career development, workplace challenges, professional competencies, and the importance of building strong professional networks. Through this initiative, FPK UNAIR reaffirmed its dedication to supporting students not only throughout their academic studies but also during their transition into the professional world.
Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Prof. Dr. Endang Dewi Masithah, Ir., M.P., officially opened the event by encouraging graduating students to view graduation as the beginning of a new journey rather than the conclusion of their education.
“Your real professional journey begins after completing your studies. Continue developing your competencies, uphold integrity, and never stop learning so that you can adapt to future challenges,” Prof. Endang emphasized.
As part of the faculty’s efforts to strengthen graduates’ career readiness, Hanif Fadlillah from the Career Development and Alumni Impact Center (PKKA) of Universitas Airlangga delivered a session highlighting the importance of maintaining an adaptive mindset when entering an increasingly competitive job market.
He explained that early career experiences often become the foundation for long-term professional growth. Rather than focusing solely on job titles or salaries, graduates should value every opportunity as a learning experience that shapes both their competencies and professional character.
“Your journey may be challenging at first, but perseverance always pays off. The experiences you gain during your first job will become your most valuable assets for building your future career,” Hanif remarked.
The program continued with a presentation by Slamet Agus Wijaya, S.Pi., a member of FPK UNAIR’s first graduating class in 2001 and currently the Operational Director of PT Kaia Anugerah Indonesia. Drawing upon his professional experience, he shared practical insights into the qualities required to thrive in today’s dynamic industry.
According to Agus, academic excellence should always be accompanied by strong personal values, including honesty, loyalty, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to learning. These qualities, he explained, play a decisive role in determining long-term career success.
“The most important qualities you should possess are honesty and a willingness to keep learning. Curiosity will enable you to continue growing, even when facing changes and challenges in the workplace,” he said.
In addition to career guidance from professionals and alumni, graduating students also strengthened their connection with the alumni community through a session led by Okky Hermawan, S.Pi., M.Si., Chair of the FPK UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA Komisariat FPK UNAIR). He emphasized that the alumni association would continue serving as a platform where graduates could exchange information, share experiences, and access career development opportunities.
According to Okky, alumni networks play a strategic role in fostering collaboration among graduates while expanding professional opportunities within the fisheries and marine sciences sector.
Through this career preparation program, graduating students gained valuable perspectives on the realities of the professional world while recognizing the importance of personal character, professional networking, and continuous competency development. The initiative is expected to enhance the readiness of FPK UNAIR graduates to contribute across various sectors as professionals, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs in fisheries and marine sciences.
The Graduate Career Preparation Program for the June 2026 Graduation Period also reflects FPK UNAIR’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By strengthening graduates’ competencies and career readiness, the program contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) through improved employment opportunities, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by preparing human resources capable of supporting sustainable fisheries as a food source, SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by equipping graduates to advance sustainable fisheries and marine practices, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among the faculty, career development center, alumni, and industry partners to develop globally competitive professionals.
Prospective students, alumni, and the public interested in learning more about the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, including its academic programs, student activities, research, laboratories, and alumni network, are encouraged to visit the faculty’s official website.
Writer : Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor : TPA
