"After graduating from college, it is important to keep developing four things," said Mukhamad Najib, Director of Institutions at the ministry's Higher Education Directorate General, during a graduation ceremony at Padang State University, West Sumatra, on Saturday.
Najib emphasized the need for graduates to continually upgrade their competencies to keep pace with the evolving demands of the job market.
In the past, he said, a bachelor's degree was sufficient to become a lecturer, but the government has since raised the minimum requirement to a master's degree.
Second, he encouraged graduates to complement their academic credentials with technical skills by enrolling in training programs and pursuing professional certifications.
"In other words, qualifications and competencies demanded by the job market continue to shift as times change," Najib said.
Third, he highlighted the importance of building a strong personal image and reputation.
"Without a good reputation, the competencies and qualifications we build will be less valued," he argued.
Lastly, Najib advised graduates to cultivate broad professional networks while maintaining self-care and self-awareness to avoid burnout.
"We often overlook the importance of talking to ourselves. In fact, it is important to understand who we are and our capacity," he remarked.
Related news: Minister calls for fostering research-based innovation in varsities
Related news: Indonesian govt pushes four strategies to boost higher education
Translator: Muhammad Z, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
