The Career Development and Assessment Center (CDAC) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) organized its annual Career Guidance Month under the theme “UMSU Talent Career Ready: Adaptive, Innovative, and Globally Competitive.” The event was held on Thursday (May 7) at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The event featured two keynote speakers: Indra Prasetia, Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Educational Sciences at UMSU, and Juli Maini Sitepu. Also in attendance were Head of the Student Affairs Bureau Abdurrahman Zuhdi, representatives from the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA), Vice Deans III from faculties across UMSU, and participants consisting of prospective UMSU graduates.
Vice Rector III of UMSU Rudianto officially opened the event and emphasized that the existence of CDAC reflects the university’s commitment to supporting graduates as they transition into professional careers or entrepreneurship.
“We are grateful to have CDAC, which is dedicated to guiding graduates toward the gateway of industry, helping them secure employment, build businesses, and become successful individuals. Today is a defining moment after four years of academic learning. Students already possess skills, but they still need guidance to prepare for the professional world,” he stated.
He explained that the transition from campus life to the industrial world presents unique challenges. Therefore, CDAC serves as a bridge connecting students with industries and professional experts.
“The transition from university life to industry is certainly different, and CDAC acts as a bridge for students to understand industries and connect with experts,” he explained.
Rudianto also reminded students not to focus solely on the final achievements of successful individuals, but to understand the long journey and process behind that success.
Earlier, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Bambang Panca Syahputra explained that the program consisted of three main activities: career guidance for prospective graduates, a faculty roadshow across UMSU beginning on May 8, 2026, and career consultation services.
“The objective is to demonstrate the university’s commitment to preparing students and graduates, while also creating strategic interactions that motivate participants and provide practical, relevant, and up-to-date insights,” he explained.
According to Bambang, the roadshow activities will also involve successful alumni to strengthen students’ professional networks.
“The roadshow will involve accomplished alumni to help build professional networks and bridge UMSU graduates with the industrial sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of CDAC UMSU Sukma Lesmana stated that the program is routinely conducted as part of the university’s preparation process before students enter the workforce.
“This activity is regularly held as one of the preparation stages for students to better understand the industrial world. It is also an opportunity to meet seniors and gain valuable experiences,” he said.
He expressed hope that all participants would fully utilize the event as practical preparation for future job recruitment processes.
The program continued with a talk show moderated by Lufriansyah, discussing topics including CDAC Career Services, postgraduate study opportunities at UMSU, and premarital counseling guidance.
