Surabaya – Career success often emerges from journeys that were never part of the original plan. This was the central message shared by Muhammad Cesar Briliandi, S.Pi., M.Sc., an alumnus of the Aquaculture Study Program at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, Class of 2016, during a guest lecture entitled “Ambition, Action, and Ocean: Turning Marine Passion into a Global Career” held on 2 June 2026.
The event, attended primarily by second- and fourth-semester Aquaculture students, served as an inspiring platform to introduce various international career pathways within the fisheries and marine sector. Through a personal and engaging sharing session, Cesar demonstrated that a degree in fisheries can lead to far more than careers in aquaculture production or scientific research. It can also open doors to global professions that many young people may not yet realize exist.
During his presentation, Cesar reflected on his early years as a student at FPK UNAIR. He admitted that fisheries was not originally the field he had envisioned for himself. However, through academic experiences, organizational involvement, and field-based learning activities, he gradually developed a strong passion for marine science and aquatic ecosystems. That growing interest eventually led him to pursue a master’s degree at National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan, where he expanded both his scientific expertise and international perspective.
With a relaxed yet meaningful storytelling style, Cesar recalled a social media post he once shared: “Whether I liked fisheries or not, I had already fallen into it. So I might as well dive deeper.” The remark immediately drew laughter from the audience, but it also reflected the reality of his journey. What began as an unexpected academic path ultimately led him to his current position as a Marine Biologist and Assistant Scuba Diving Instructor at Sub Oceanic Maldives, based at Le Méridien Resort and Spa Maldives.
Throughout the session, Cesar introduced students to his professional environment in the Maldives, one of the world’s most renowned marine tourism destinations. He explained that working as a marine biologist within the marine tourism industry offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific knowledge, marine conservation, environmental education, and international engagement into a single rewarding career path.
According to Cesar, many young people still underestimate the diversity of career opportunities available within the fisheries and marine sector. In reality, the continued growth of marine tourism, biodiversity conservation, fisheries research, and professional diving industries has created increasing demand for skilled professionals with global competencies and multidisciplinary expertise.
Despite the attractive opportunities, Cesar emphasized that achieving an international career requires dedication, consistency, and the courage to embrace new challenges. He stressed that personal growth often demands stepping outside one’s comfort zone and abandoning habits that hinder progress, such as procrastination and complacency.
“It is better to work hard and struggle now for a brighter future than to spend your time being lazy. The truth is that no one becomes a better person by doing nothing,” he advised the students.
The audience remained highly engaged throughout the lecture. In addition to discussing his academic experiences in Indonesia and Taiwan, students actively participated in conversations about international scholarship opportunities, professional skill development, scuba diving certifications, and the realities of working in multicultural environments abroad.
The guest lecture reflected FPK UNAIR’s ongoing commitment to providing students with learning experiences that align with the evolving demands of the global workforce. By inviting alumni who have successfully built international careers, the faculty aims to provide real-world perspectives on the diverse opportunities available to graduates in fisheries and marine sciences.
The activity also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing students with experiential learning opportunities through direct interaction with global professionals. Cesar’s role as a marine biologist further supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through marine conservation and environmental education initiatives. Meanwhile, the engagement of FPK UNAIR alumni in international professional networks reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes global collaboration in advancing knowledge, innovation, and human resource development.
Through the inspiring story of Muhammad Cesar Briliandi, FPK UNAIR students were encouraged to recognize that careers in fisheries and marine sciences extend far beyond traditional expectations. With courage, continuous learning, and a willingness to seize opportunities, students can transform their passion into impactful careers on the international stage.
Writer : Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor : TPA
