Strengthening Career Competitiveness, Hundreds of UNU Jogja Students Earn Future Skills Certificates

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — A total of 300 students from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) have earned Future Skills certificates after completing Digital Marketing or Product Management training through the Future Talent Hub (FTH) program.

Of the 412 students who participated in the training between January and October 2026, 300 successfully completed the certification program, organized in collaboration with Pijar Foundation and supported by Temasek Foundation. The certificates strengthen students’ portfolios by recognizing skills relevant to professional careers.

Through this certification program, students demonstrated digital competencies aligned with workplace demands, particularly in digital marketing and product management. They developed skills in identifying career opportunities, defining target customers, analyzing social media performance, and creating campaign materials using CapCut and Canva.

Students also gained knowledge and practical skills in product development, data analysis, product design using Balsamiq, and the use of spreadsheets and artificial intelligence (AI) to support product management and problem-solving.

The benefits of the certification training have been felt directly by students who earned FTH certificates. Muhammad Aziz Ayubi, a 2025 Management Study Program student, said the program had boosted his confidence, particularly in pursuing career opportunities in the digital sector.

“Career opportunities in the digital world are vast. After completing this training and receiving the certificate, I feel better prepared and more confident in competing in the job market,” he said.

Hilman Susilo, also a 2025 Management Study Program student, expressed hope that the certification program would continue through more specialized and in-depth training, such as Product Management workshops or workplace simulations. Such follow-up activities could help students further develop their competencies and strengthen their career competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Putri Candra Dewi, a 2024 Management Study Program student, considered the program important because it helped her prepare for her career while still at university. Receiving the certificate has further motivated her to develop her skills, gain experience, and build a portfolio beyond her academic activities.

“I feel increasingly motivated to plan my career more strategically. I am interested in marketing, communication, and business development. Therefore, I want to use my time at university to gain experience, develop my abilities, and explore opportunities relevant to these fields,” she said on Friday, October 23.

For the students who earned certificates through this program, the credentials represent more than proof of technical proficiency; they also serve as an important foundation for their future careers. This aligns with Future Talent Hub’s mission to prepare students for the demands of the workplace.

Pijar Foundation CEO Cazadira F. Tamzil emphasized the importance of preparing young talent while they are still pursuing higher education. She noted that universities provide a foundation for students to develop the mindset and analytical skills required in professional environments.

She explained that rapid changes in the workplace require students to go beyond academic knowledge by developing soft skills and expanding their connections with industry. For this reason, Pijar Foundation fully supports the certified training program.

“The world of work is constantly changing, so students need to prepare themselves while they are still at university. It is not just about learning theory, but also about developing personal capabilities, learning to analyze problems, and gaining direct exposure to industry. Through the Future Talent Hub program, we hope UNU Jogja students will be better equipped when they enter the workforce,” Cazadira said.

In line with this perspective, UNU Jogja Vice Rector for Islamic Boarding School Affairs, Dr. Abdul Ghoffar, said skills development must be continuous. It should not focus solely on securing employment but also equip students to navigate various challenges throughout their lives and careers.

He emphasized that skills must be practiced consistently until they become habits. Beyond technical competencies, students also need to develop the mindset, discipline, and resilience necessary for professional success.

“Skills must be practiced and refined, not only when looking for a job. They need to be continuously developed until they become habits,” he said.

Earning the certificate does not mark the end of the program. Students subsequently participated in a career seminar titled From the Classroom to the Workplace: Ready to Adapt in the Digital Era, held at the UNU Jogja campus on Friday, October 23, 2026. The seminar explored students’ readiness to enter the workforce from both industry and higher education perspectives.

The speakers included Dr. Wiji Nurastuti, M.T., CRP, Director of PT Nazmalogy Loka Lastari; Dr. Ir. Suhada, S.T., MBA., IPU., Dean of UNU Jogja’s Faculty of Economics; as well as alumni and students involved in the Future Talent Hub program. []

Reporter: Latifah

Editor: Arif