On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Department of English Language and Literature at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) held a career seminar for students who will graduate in March. Themed “Future-Proofing Your Career,” the event aimed to equip students with essential skills and insights to navigate the professional world.
The seminar was officially opened by Dr. Yuli Tiarina, M.Pd., Head of the Department of English Language and Literature, and Prof. Dr. Ermanto, S.Pd., M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS). In her opening remarks, Dr. Yuli Tiarina emphasized the importance of career readiness, stating, “Graduation is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in how you apply your knowledge and skills in the workplace.”
The seminar featured three distinguished speakers from various professional fields. Athino Rangga, Program Coordinator at IIEF Jakarta, discussed opportunities for scholarships and career development programs, guiding students on how to enhance their qualifications for global opportunities. Surni Yanti, S.Pd., General Manager of The ZHM Premiere Hotel Padang, shared insights on the hospitality industry, highlighting key skills required for leadership roles in hotel management. Meanwhile, Resky Widiestuty, S.Hum, M.M., from the West Sumatra Tourism Office,provided an overview of career prospects in the tourism sector, emphasizing the role of language and communication skills in promoting cultural and heritage tourism.
The event concluded with remarks from the seminar’s organizing committee chair, Dra. An Fauzia Rozani Syafei, M.A., who encouraged students to take proactive steps in shaping their careers. “The knowledge and insights shared today should serve as motivation for you to prepare for the professional world. Keep learning, keep growing, and embrace every opportunity,” she said.
With an engaging discussion and valuable networking opportunities, the seminar provided graduating students with inspiration and practical guidance to transition smoothly from academia to their professional careers. (HY)