The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) sent off 46 students participating in the fifth cohort of its Independent Impactful Internship Program on Friday (August 28) at the university’s campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri, Medan.
The students were officially sent off by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by Vice Rector for Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan (AIK), Education, Teaching, and Digitalization, Dr. Marah Doly Nasution, M.Si. In his remarks, Dr. Marah Doly emphasized the importance of strengthening hard skills, soft skills, and self-confidence among future engineering graduates.
“Engineering students must develop technological expertise, understand the Internet of Things (IoT), and keep pace with changing times. We continue to encourage faculty leaders to provide facilities that support this competency development,” Marah Doly said.
The Vice Rector also highlighted the importance of foreign language proficiency and completing final academic projects as part of the internship experience.
“This six-month internship is expected to conclude with the completion of students’ final projects, whether in the form of a thesis, research, or scientific publications in collaboration with lecturers. This will help students graduate on time. In addition, English proficiency has become essential for graduates to compete for career opportunities in industry,” he added.
Dr. Marah Doly also reminded students to maintain their health, uphold their religious values, and protect the university’s reputation throughout their placements.
The 46 selected students will undertake six-month internships at various state-owned enterprises, private companies, and strategic government institutions. These include PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk (10 students), PT Wijaya Karya Beton Tbk PPB Sumut (9), the Sumatra II River Basin Agency (BBWS Sumatera II) in Medan (7), the Deli Serdang Regency Water Resources, Highways, and Construction Agency (5), PT Adi Brata (5), PTPN IV (5), and the Class I Railway Engineering Center in Medan (5).
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Ade Faisal, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., said the internship program was a practical step toward addressing the evolving needs of industry.
He highlighted a paradox in the labor market: industries face an engineer shortage of up to 45 percent, while unemployment among graduates remains a concern.
“The demand for engineers continues to rise, yet vertical mismatch and minimum experience requirements remain significant barriers. Internships are an effective way to bridge this gap,” Dr. Ade said.
The Dean added that engineering students today must adapt to technological advances and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Our engineers must continuously update their skills. Do not be afraid of AI, because engineers also play a role in overseeing and ensuring the proper integration of technology. You are on the right path. Uphold UMSU’s reputation, as you are ambassadors of the university at your internship placements. I hope all participants succeed, graduate on time, and secure employment in their respective fields of expertise,” Ade concluded.
Also attending the event were Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Engineering Affandi, S.T., M.T.; Head of the Electrical Engineering Study Program Dr. Elvy Sahnur Nasution, S.T., M.T.; Secretary of the Civil Engineering Study Program Riza, S.T., M.T.; the Faculty of Engineering’s Independent Learning–Independent Campus (MBKM) team; and faculty members and study program leaders.
