Empowering Future Leaders: Unesa's Career Development Program Tackles Global Workforce and internship Challenges

Surabaya, Indonesia – January 21, 2026 – Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa) has launched an innovative Training of Trainers (ToT) program for the Mata Kuliah Pengembangan Karier course, aimed at equipping lecturers with tools to prepare students for the competitive workforce. Titled “Smart Career Strategy for Impactful Students,” the program began on January 21, 2026, and will continue until January 28, 2026. The training is held at the Unesa Faculty of Medicine Auditorium and the Lidah Wetan Rectorate Building.

Who is Involved?

The program is organized by Unesa’s Directorate of Education and Educational Transformation, in collaboration with the Career Development Sub-directorate and Kinobi Asia, a Singapore-based AI-powered student success platform. Participants in this program include university lecturers who teach the Career Development course to students across various disciplines.

Why is This Important?

Rooselyna Ekawati, the Director of Education and Learning Transformation at Unesa, emphasized that the program is a direct response to the growing demands from both students and the industry. As job markets become increasingly competitive, she noted, universities need to prepare students with not only academic excellence but also strong personal development. “This course aims to equip graduates with intellectual prowess, professional readiness, and strong character,” she explained. The program seeks to address industry recruitment challenges, particularly in state-owned enterprises (BUMN), where attitudes, communication skills, and professionalism are as crucial as technical expertise.

What’s the Approach?

The ToT program brings together industry experts from Kinobi Asia, who have developed 15 comprehensive modules for the course. These modules serve as a foundation for one semester of career development education at Unesa. Dinda Angkotasan and Najla Afiyah from Kinobi shared their insights on career development as a critical bridge for students transitioning from academia to professional life. The program’s emphasis is not on a theoretical approach but a practical one, using Project-Based Learning to ensure students gain real-world skills progressively.

The curriculum starts with self-discovery, allowing students to identify their strengths. This is followed by exercises in personal branding, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and conducting industry research. Students will also learn how to craft an ATS-friendly CV, and master the various stages of recruitment—from group discussions to salary negotiations. Beyond the technicalities, the program highlights workplace ethics and organizational culture, ensuring students are not only skilled but resilient in the professional world.

The culmination of the program will result in a professional portfolio and a career action plan, marking the students’ readiness for post-graduation life.

How Will it Impact?

In addition to the technical modules, Unesa will host renowned psychological experts, Seger Handoyo and Rahkman Ardi from Universitas Airlangga, on January 28, 2026. The experts will address the psychological aspects of career readiness, focusing on students' mental preparation and resilience to face the uncertainties of today’s job market.

By emphasizing both the personal and professional dimensions of career development, Unesa's program contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The initiative fosters inclusive education, helps students develop essential life skills, and supports equal opportunities in the job market, empowering them to contribute positively to the economy.

A Step Towards Sustainable Careers!

Unesa’s Mata Kuliah Pengembangan Karier course is a forward-thinking initiative that blends academic training with practical career strategies, aiming to create graduates who are well-prepared for a dynamic and increasingly competitive global workforce. As the program continues, it aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s ambition to develop a skilled, resilient, and sustainable workforce for the future. This program serves as a vital step toward shaping students into not just job seekers, but impactful leaders in their respective industries.