The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), organized an International Public Lecture entitled “Unlocking Global Career Opportunities through Skills, Experience, and Personal Branding” online via Zoom Meeting on Friday, October 30, 2026. The event featured Syed Ahmad, BSE, a Lead Recruiter from Pakistan, as the international speaker. The discussion was moderated by Nurul Novelia Fuandila, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture, USU.

This international public lecture was organized as an effort to broaden students' insights into the dynamics of the international job market while preparing them to face career competition in the global era. Through direct presentations from an international recruitment practitioner, students had the opportunity to understand industry needs, recruitment standards, and the competencies they need to develop to compete in the global job market.

Syed Ahmad, BSE, Lead Recruiter at MicroAgility APAC from Pakistan, delivered a presentation on strategies for building a global career during the International Public Lecture organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, USU.

The event was attended by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of FP USU, Dr. Nini Rahmawati, S.P., M.Si., the Manager of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Dian Tria Fatmila, S.Pt., M.Si., lecturers, and students of the Faculty of Agriculture, USU.

In her remarks, Dr. Nini Rahmawati, SP., M.Si., encouraged students to make the most of this opportunity to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible from the international speaker.

She expressed her hope that the materials presented would provide new insights into strategies for unlocking global career opportunities through the development of skills, experience, and personal branding. Thus, after completing their studies at FP USU, students are expected to be able to prepare themselves to pursue their desired careers, both domestically and abroad.

During the presentation session, Syed Ahmad discussed various important aspects of the international workforce recruitment process. The presentation began with an explanation of how recruiters read and evaluate candidates, along with a realistic overview of current job market conditions. The speaker also outlined strategies for preparing effective resumes or curriculum vitae to attract recruiters' attention from the initial selection stage.

Furthermore, participants gained an understanding of the importance of building a professional portfolio, optimizing their LinkedIn profiles, selecting the right job search platforms, and establishing professional communication with recruiters. The discussion also covered candidate screening processes, strategies for facing job interviews, and various pathways to obtaining employment opportunities abroad.

This international public lecture was conducted interactively through discussion and question-and-answer sessions. Participants' enthusiasm was evident from the numerous questions directed to the speaker, particularly regarding preparation for job selection processes, personal branding development, strategies for building professional experience, and opportunities to obtain employment at the international level.

The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of FP USU, Dr. Nini Rahmawati, S.P., M.Si., together with the moderator, Nurul Novelia Fuandila, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D., and participants attended the FP USU International Public Lecture online. The event also included the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to Syed Ahmad Abbas Kazmi, BSE, as the speaker.

At the end of the event, the Faculty of Agriculture, USU, presented a certificate of appreciation to Syed Ahmad in recognition of his willingness to serve as a speaker and share his professional knowledge and experience with the FP USU academic community.

The organization of this International Public Lecture also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education through expanded access to learning and enrichment of students' knowledge by presenting perspectives from practitioners abroad. This activity provides added value to the educational process through cross-country knowledge exchange and the development of competencies relevant to the needs of the international job market.

Furthermore, this activity aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly in encouraging the improvement of skills, work readiness, and graduate competitiveness. Understanding international recruitment standards, resume preparation, portfolio development, and interview preparation is expected to help students expand their access to decent employment opportunities at both national and global levels.

Through the organization of this International Public Lecture, FP USU continues to encourage the strengthening of global perspectives and human resource quality through learning activities involving international practitioners. Students are expected to possess not only strong academic competencies but also professional skills, experience, and personal branding that can support them in facing competition and pursuing career opportunities at the global level.