11 June 2025
Anonymous Writer
The Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), organized an online public lecture via Zoom Meeting on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
The event carried the theme “Transitioning from Academic Life to the Professional World for Fresh Graduates” and featured four alumni as speakers: Ir. Togu Sitorus, M.M. (pesticide industry practitioner), Ir. Mulia Bijehmata (plantation industry practitioner), Ir. Zuraina Lubis (banking industry practitioner), and Ir. Parmas Ompusunggu (entrepreneur). The lecture was moderated by Ir. Meiriani, M.P., a lecturer from Agrotechnology USU.
Also attending the lecture were Prof. Dr. Ir. Elisa Julianti, M.Si. (Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Agriculture USU), Dr. Nini Rahmawati, S.P., M.Si. (Head of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology), Prof. Dr. Ir. Yaya Hasanah, M.Si. (Secretary of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology), along with lecturers, students, and alumni. The event was joined by more than 130 participants.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Nini expressed appreciation for the speakers, who are alumni from the 1984 cohort of the Faculty of Agriculture USU. She emphasized the importance of the lecture’s theme.
“This transition phase is critical, as the knowledge and soft skills gained during college will be tested in a dynamic and challenging work environment,” she said.
Dr. Nini hoped that the event would provide insights, motivation, and direction for students in preparing for their careers.
“We want students to build networks and prepare mentally and professionally to be ready for the workforce,” she added.
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Ir. Togu Sitorus highlighted the importance of mental readiness when entering the working world.
“Once you graduate, you're entering a new chapter in life. The same spirit applies — a smooth transition from academia to professionalism is essential,” he said. He also emphasized the need for a learning attitude early in one’s career, such as understanding corporate values, team workflows, and organizational structures.
Ir. Mulia Bijehmata discussed the importance of resilience in the plantation industry.
“Strong mental endurance is needed when dealing with subordinates and superiors alike,” he stated, reminding participants not to back down from company rules while remaining wise in assessing situations.
Meanwhile, Ir. Zuraina Lubis explained why agriculture graduates can pursue careers in banking.
“Banking knowledge is broad and flexible, making it applicable to various fields, including agronomy, soil science, socio-economics, pest and disease management, and animal husbandry,” she said. She added that agriculture graduates have a competitive edge in agricultural credit marketing roles — whether as analysts, staff, or managers.
Ir. Parmas Ompusunggu emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial skills.
“An entrepreneur must create added value so that their product attracts customers,” he explained. He also clarified the distinction between an entrepreneur and a business owner.
“Business owners often have significant capital and focus on a single large-scale venture, whereas entrepreneurs can operate independently across diverse sectors,” he said.
The event was highly interactive, with numerous questions from students and alumni directed to the speakers. The session concluded with certificate presentations for the speakers and moderator.
The program hopes that this event provides valuable guidance for students in choosing career paths aligned with their interests and talents, and inspires them to become successful alumni like the speakers.
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