The Alumni Sharing Session is one of the events organized by the Master’s Program in Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga. This event invites alumni to share their experiences during and after their studies. The topic of “Mapping the study and future” was discussed on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 15:00 to 17:00 WIB via Zoom, moderated by Titah Aldila Budiastuti, S.Si., a current master’s student in Chemistry. It was attended by 33 participants, consisting of current master’s students from UNAIR.

The event began with a presentation on the profile of the Chemistry Department at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, showcased through a video available on the “Kimia Unair” YouTube channel.

Yanuardi Raharjo, M.Sc., Ph.D., the coordinator of the Master’s Program in Chemistry, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing that “this event provides an opportunity to gather information and tips from alumni on planning for the future after completing the Master’s program, whether in the industry or further studies, as well as building networks with the outside world.”

The speakers introduced were Ilma Amalina, Ph.D. (alumni of the Master’s Program in Chemistry, 2014), currently a lecturer in the Nanotechnology Engineering Program at the Faculty of Advanced and Multidisciplinary Technology, Universitas Airlangga, and Murrobiyatul Wathoniyyah, M.Si. (alumni of the Master’s Program in Chemistry, 2017), currently working as R&D staff at PT Indo Aneka Atsiri (Sima Arome).

The session proceeded with a Q&A sharing session covering various topics related to study experiences, preparations for post-graduate life in industry or further studies, and more. Based on Ilma’s sharing, it was concluded that “preparing well is crucial for continuing further studies, including proficiency in English, preparing to seek scholarships, and choosing a professor in the field of interest to ensure optimal performance during research.”

Based on Wathoniyyah’s insights, it was concluded that “preparing skills and experiences are essential for entering the workforce after graduation. A mindset shift is crucial because success in the job market goes beyond research outcomes; it involves considering the product qualifications that can be accepted and applied to society.”

In closing, Yanuardi, as the program coordinator, added that “to be a successful student, one must be special. We must explore ourselves to become more than just ordinary.”

Source: UNAIR News