Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara hosted the first national summit of the Association of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Career Centers (APSKAR PTMA).
The opening of the National Conference began with the inauguration of the APSKAR Management by the Treasurer of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership Diktilitbang Council, Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D., Ak., CA., CPA, Monday (31/7) in the UMSU VIP room, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3 Medan.
Prof. Mahfud Sholihin expressed his appreciation to UMSU as the host who had prepared the inauguration ceremony and the first APSKAR PTMA National Conference well. The expectation is APSKAR will positively contribute to the progress of higher education under the auspices of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah.
According to Mahfud Sholihin, three main things need to be carried out by APSKAR PTMA in its work program.
“First, this association can formulate how to encourage PTMA graduates to be career ready, such as increasing their soft skills. Second, assist such as making a CV and providing information. Finally, the most important thing is monitoring and establishing communication with alumni with careers,” said Prof. Mahfud.
Based on the Decree of the PP Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council, 31 PTMA representatives became APSKAR administrators for the 2023-2026 period, namely UMSU, UMY, UM Tangerang, UAD, UM Sinjaya, UM Sidoarjo, UM Metro, UM Jember, Itekes Muhammadiyah Pontianak, UM Malang, UM Jakarta, UM Cirebon, UM Bulukumba, Unimuda Sorong, UM Pakajangan Pekalongan, UM Bengkulu, UM Ponorogo, UM Semarang, UM Kudus, UM North Maluku, UM Surakarta, Itekes Muhammadiyah Surakarta, UM Kendari, Aisyiyah Polytechnic Pontianak, North Maluku Itekes, UM Gorontalo, Unisa Yogyakarta.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agusaani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Sc, in his speech, told the origins of the formation of APSKAR to the inauguration of the board and holding a national meeting at UMSU.
Based on Dr. Rudianto, also the PP Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Development Team, the career center association started at the National Coordination Meeting in Surabaya. In this activity, the Diktilitbang Assembly needs to improve the quality of PTMA graduates.
“Later on, PTMAs that don’t have a career center will be encouraged in this APSKAR so that students can still participate in job fairs, making CVs, and interviews. Let’s cooperate with PTMA, who are not ready to be encouraged and motivated,” said Rudianto.
APSKAR is an association that houses career centers for all PTMAs in Indonesia. The background to forming this association was improving career-strengthening programs for PTMA alums. Therefore, Apskar held the first National Conference and the inauguration with the theme ‘Excellent PTMA Career Center to develop the competitiveness of professional graduates with Islamic character.’ The event will occur from July 31st to August 3rd, 2023, at UMSU and Parapat.
According to the report of the Chairperson of Apskar PTMA, who is also the Chair of the UMSU Career Development and Alumni Center (CDAC), Dr. Sukma Lesmana, S.E., M.Sc, the first APSKAR PTMA National Conference aims to determine the constitution and bylaws as well as proposed work programs. “We shall embark on a comprehensive set of foundational exercises to commence our efforts. These exercises will encompass a thorough discussion of the essential principles involved in establishing a career center at PTMA,” said Sukma.
Lastly, having an association for managing a PTMA career center is crucial for four reasons. Firstly, it provides a platform to share information and experiences related to this field. Secondly, developing the PTMA career center is necessary to improve performance – the top KPI. Thirdly, it aims to bridge the gap in the quality of PTMA graduates. Finally, ensuring the sustainability of the PTMA career center organization is of utmost importance.
