Universitas Andalas Alumni Share Strategies for Pursuing Global Careers with Students in Support of SDG 4 and SDG 8

Universitas Andalas held an alumni sharing session featuring Dr. Cand. Marna Rita Yarsi, Director of Program and Human Resources at PT Yonata Dewi Sejahtera, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The event is closely related to SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, as the forum was designed to broaden the perspectives of students and fresh graduates and better prepare them to face competition in the global job market.

Carrying the theme “Future Ready: Building a Career Abroad, Breaking into Global Competition,” the event took place in the Seminar Room on the fifth floor of the Library Building at the Limau Manis Campus. It was attended by students and fresh graduates from various faculties and was moderated by Laura Amelia Triani, S.E., M.M., a young lecturer from the Faculty of Economics and Business.

Representing the Universitas Andalas Alumni Association, Dr. Munzir Busniah explained that this was the third time the program had been organized, consistently bringing in distinguished alumni from both the public and private sectors. According to him, the presence of accomplished alumni is expected to enrich students’ perspectives while also inspiring them to pursue outstanding careers and make positive contributions in the future.

During the sharing session, Marna Rita Yarsi, an alumna of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Andalas who is familiarly known as Tata, presented five key principles for achieving success: working hard, working smart, working thoroughly, working with quality, and working sincerely. She emphasized that these five principles form an important foundation for anyone seeking meaningful success.

Tata also stated that when someone continues to face failure even after applying those principles, self-reflection, surrendering to the will of the Creator, and increasing one’s prayers become important steps in remaining strong in the face of challenges. Through the experiences and advice she shared, she expressed hope that Universitas Andalas students would continue striving to do their best, both in their education and in building their future careers and lives.

Overall, the event demonstrated Universitas Andalas’ effort to provide a learning space that focuses not only on formal education, but also on preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive world of work. Through direct interaction with alumni who have built professional careers, students gained a concrete understanding of the importance of competence, perseverance, and a global outlook in shaping their future.