Graduating from college is often seen as the starting line for entering the professional world. However, for some IPB University students, the professional world begins to take shape even while they are still in college. This is the experience of Wirayuda Erlangga Pratama and Farid Shafwan Hakim, two IPB University alumni who successfully prepared their careers even before officially earning their bachelor’s degrees.
Charting a Course
Wirayuda Erlangga Pratama, an alumnus of the School of Data Science, Mathematics, and Informatics at IPB University, said that one of the main keys was to have a roadmap from the beginning of college.
Starting from his awareness as a Mathematics student, Wira had already mapped out the career potential of Mathematics graduates in the industry, one of which was in the financial sector.
“I had already mapped it out from the beginning, where Mathematics graduates usually go. From there, I defined that I wanted to go into the finance industry as an analyst. This was also supported by my concentration in operations research,” he said.
According to Wira, IPB University’s structured and challenging curriculum has become an important asset in the professional world. The intense pace of lectures, consistent assignments, and practical case studies have prepared him to handle professional pressures.
“At IPB, we are used to chasing deadlines. At work, it’s nothing new. In fact, it makes us feel more prepared,” he said. Discipline, responsibility, and self-reflection are values that he continues to uphold during his studies at IPB University.
Daring to Try
Wira emphasizes the importance of daring to try various opportunities during college, ranging from competitions, international programs, to non academic activities.
One of his memorable experiences was participating in a Business Case Competition in the insurance industry. Although he initially just tried it out, Wira was selected as one of the 24 best participants in Indonesia.
“It turned out to be more than just a competition, but also a place where I could network, meet practitioners, and even CEOs who were also IPB alumni. From there, I realized that opportunities often come from the things we try,” he said.
For Wira, participating in many activities without a purpose can be exhausting. Therefore, he always emphasizes the importance of finding the reason (why) behind every decision.
“It’s not just about following the crowd. I always ask myself, why am I doing this? How will it benefit my future?” explained the young alumnus who graduated from IPB University in 2024.
Opportunities Come from Track Records
A similar story comes from Farid Shafwan Hakim, an alumnus of the Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University. Farid got a job even before graduating from IPB University in 2025 through a work-study scholarship program from a company that collaborates with IPB University.
“In addition to covering tuition and living expenses, I was already guaranteed a position as a management trainee after graduation,” explained Farid. According to him, the company evaluates students’ track records, vision, and consistency during their studies.
His experience participating in various projects, both from the private and public sectors, made him familiar with the professional world from an early age. “Companies are looking for people who have value and potential. Track record and vision are the keys to trust,” he added.
Professional Development Ecosystem
Farid believes that IPB University provides an ecosystem that greatly supports students’ work readiness, from the curriculum, internship programs, capstone projects, to organizational and leadership activities.
“IPB develops students who are innovative, resilient, flexible, and have strong analytical skills. This is very evident once they enter the workforce,” he said.
Both Wira and Farid agree that the biggest challenge during university is time management and prioritization. However, it is precisely through these challenges that professional character is forged.
Wira and Farid’s stories serve as proof that IPB University is not just a place to gain knowledge but also a space to grow and prepare for the future. For high school students making their choices, IPB University offers more than just a degree, it offers experience, networks, and readiness to face the real world. (AS) (IAAS/HNY)
