UNAIR NEWS – To provide a professional experience for students’ future careers, the government has launched the Certified Internship Program, Freedom of Learning, Emancipated Campus, known as MSIB MBKM. Hanafi Al Rasyid, from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga, used the opportunity well.
He joined the MSIB Batch 6 in the Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Nasional (BTPN) Sharia Branch of Ponorogo, from February to June. To UNAIR NEWS, Hanafi said he has learned much from his experiences, especially with his Islamic Economics background.
“I learned a lot about professional work ethics, practicing Sharia funding theories I learned in class, particularly that I focus on banking and funding. I also learned about the community, as the BTPN Syariah focuses on empowering entrepreneurs in remote villages,” said the Minang native.
Empowering MSME
He took the role of promoting the traditional market, where he immersed himself in villages according to the placement in fifteen villages in Mlarak Subdistrict, Ponorogo. He was assigned to monitor MSMEs while empowering marketing in villages within the subdistrict.
“The MSMEs managed by the residents have run well, but many still lack extensive marketing. Some face a lack of capital. We help them by providing capital through Sharia financing from BTPN Syariah and marketing their products through online platforms on Instagram and Shopee. We help them in posting the products and taking promotional pictures and videos as well,” he said.
Challenges of internship and learning with the community
As a field intern, Hanafi named the challenges he faced during this internship program, particularly when reaching remote locations with difficult access. The considerable distance between each village and occasional power outages also posed significant challenges for him.
However, despite these challenges, he gained many social experiences and interactions. The warm attitude of the locals made it easier for him to be immersed in the community.
“The struggle mostly lies in reaching the locations. But all of that was compensated by meeting the warm, kind, and welcoming people in these villages. Some of the mothers even treated me like their own child. They are also friendly, and we greet each other whenever I pass by,” he said.
Life lessons
After about a month of internship, Hanafi gained various other perspectives. Not only did he gain relationships or incentives from his internship experience, but he also life lessons.
The experience made him realize that many families still need financial assistance. He also recognized the spirit of MSME actors amid the challenges they face.
“Their spirit to establish and grow their businesses motivates me, I learned that everyone has their challenges in earning a living,” said the third-year student.
In the end, Hanafi hopes that the program will contribute to the economic development of the residents of Mlarak Subdistrict through the MSME sector. “Hopefully, with more families receiving capital and marketing education, it will benefit the residents here and be passed down to their future generations, so that their businesses can thrive,” he expressed. He also advised fellow interns to approach their internship with a sincere desire to learn and gain experience, pursuing their passions for optimal results.
Author: Febriana Putri Nur Aziizah
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
