Rector’s Message to 1.090 IPB University Vocational School Graduates

IPB University held the Graduation Ceremony for the Applied Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma III Vocational School Program Phase 2 for the 2024/2025 Academic Year at Grha Widya Wisuda, IPB Dramaga Campus, Tuesday–Wednesday (11/18–19). A total of 1.090 graduates were officially inaugurated in a warm and proud ceremony.

During the ceremony, Rector Prof Arif Satria shared several important messages with the graduates. He began his speech by saying that leadership is not about position, but about influence and the courage to lead change.

“Leadership is about influence. What is important is the ability to lead change and the future,” said the Rector. He reminded the graduates that technological change is moving very quickly, so they need to continue to improve themselves in order to remain relevant. According to him, the knowledge learned five years ago will only be about 60 percent relevant for the next five years.

Prof Arif also reviewed ten future skills that are highly needed in the world of work, ranging from analytical thinking, agility, leadership and social influence, creative thinking, to technological literacy and a high level of curiosity.

IPB University itself has updated its artificial intelligence-based curriculum so that students are better prepared to face change. He cited the success of IPB University students in exporting Bajawa Arabica coffee to Thailand and sweet potatoes to Malaysia and Singapore. “This is proof that IPB University graduates are able to penetrate the global market,” he said.

The rector also highlighted the onboarding program provided for alumni who have not found work six months after graduation. They can return to campus to participate in reskilling for free. As a result, 98 percent of participants successfully found jobs after training.

“IPB graduates must be known as resilient, characterful, and reliable individuals in the world of work,” Prof Arif emphasized. Quoting John Wooden, he continued, “Ability may take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

Prof Arif closed his message with an invitation for graduates to continue dreaming, working hard, and producing real work for society. “Inspiration can come through words, but the best inspiration still comes through work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Central Executive Board of the IPB University Alumni Association (DPP HA), Dr Sukma Kamajaya, MM, welcomed the graduates as part of the HA family. He explained that HA is a forum for service to the alma mater, alumni, community, and nation.

“HA IPB now has an extensive network with 34 provincial administrators, 210 regencies/cities, 10 international administrators, and five autonomous bodies engaged in scholarships, disaster management, business, religious activities, and sports,” he explained.

Closing his speech, Sukma invited the graduates to maintain solidarity, stay connected with their alma mater, and participate in the Tracer Study to help improve the quality of education at IPB University. (Ez) (IAAS/LAN)