UNAIR NEWS – Selecting a university involves more than choosing a field of study; it also requires weighing career opportunities after graduation. As one of Indonesia’s top universities, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) stands out not only for its prominent alumni but also for a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening students’ career readiness.
The Head of UNAIR’s Center for Career Development and Alumni Impact (PKKA), Prof. Dr. Nisful Laila, SE, MCom, CRA, said alumni represent the true measure of a university. UNAIR, she noted, has produced many graduates who are widely recognized and have delivered meaningful contributions to society, bolstering the institution’s reputation.
“Many of our alumni are well known nationally, including Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi. Another example is Ignasius Jonan, a key figure in Indonesia’s railway reform whose work has had a lasting impact on the country’s transportation system. He is also a UNAIR graduate,” she said.
Alumni employment rate
As a leading higher education institution, Prof. Laila said UNAIR consistently posts strong alumni employment outcomes. Data collected by PKKA show that most graduates secure stable employment after completing their studies. The findings are reinforced by an alumni survey response rate that approaches 100 percent.
“Through PKKA, we regularly reach out to alumni to track their employment status and career development after graduation. The results have been very encouraging. Each year, the data show a steady rise in alumni employability, confirming that UNAIR graduates are competitive in the labor market,” she said.
Career development programs
Prof. Laila added that PKKA plays an active role in helping both students and alumni prepare for their professional futures. Programs include CV-writing workshops, skills certification, and career seminars held in partnership with industry players. These efforts are designed to equip students with practical competencies needed in the workplace.
“We also collaborate closely with industry partners by inviting them to campus for guest lectures, seminars, and recruitment partnerships. As many are aware, UNAIR hosts its flagship ACESFA event, which connects students and alumni directly with industry and provides opportunities to take part in recruitment processes,” she explained.
In addition to strong employment outcomes, UNAIR continues to expand the broader impact of its alumni network. The university regularly brings alumni back to faculties through partnerships with the UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR), which spans various regions and industries across Indonesia. These collaborations support information sharing and industry cooperation, including the provision of internship placements for students.
“With these comprehensive initiatives, choosing UNAIR for higher education is a strategic decision. Prospective students should conduct thorough research on career prospects and alumni achievements before selecting a major, as this will help them build a clearer vision and career plan for life after graduation,” she concluded.
Author: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
