Medan – The Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, continues to strengthen the connection between academic learning and the needs of the business and industrial sectors through the Aquatic Resources Professional Field Practice (PLPS). One MSP USU student undertook PLPS at PT Rajawali Anugerah Seafood, located in the KIM 2 area, Medan.
The student was accompanied and officially handed over by supervising lecturers Harya Bimasuci W., M.Sc. and Atmadinata Aviantara, M.Tr.Pi., to PT Rajawali Anugerah Seafood, represented by Putri Hasanah, S.Tr.Pi., M.Si. This handover activity was part of the supervision provided by the Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management USU to ensure that the student received a field learning environment relevant to their academic competencies and gained direct professional experience in the industrial sector.
During the PLPS implementation, the student is expected to learn about various aspects of fisheries industry activities, particularly those related to the handling and processing of fishery products, quality control, product safety, the implementation of sanitation and hygiene standards, as well as work systems and fisheries industry management.
Harya Bimasuci W., M.Sc. stated that PLPS provides an important opportunity for students to connect the knowledge acquired during lectures with real-world practices in the field. This experience is also expected to improve students' communication skills, teamwork, adaptability to professional environments, and understanding of workplace standards and demands.
For the Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management USU, the implementation of PLPS at a company operating in the fisheries sector is also part of an effort to strengthen relations between higher education institutions and industry. Such interaction is expected not only to support the improvement of student competencies but also to open opportunities for developing collaboration in internships, applied research, community service, and human resource development in the fields of fisheries and aquatic resources.
This activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education through strengthening experiential learning, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth through improving students' readiness to enter the workforce, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and the industrial sector.
Through the PLPS activity at PT Rajawali Anugerah Seafood, the Undergraduate Program in Aquatic Resources Management USU hopes that students will gain not only technical experience but also an understanding of work culture, professionalism, discipline, and responsibility required in the fisheries industry. This experience is expected to serve as important preparation for students to become competent, adaptable, and professional graduates who are able to respond to the evolving needs of the fisheries sector.