The event, which was also the inauguration of the MBA ITB Alumni Association management, was opened with an introduction from Prof. Dr. Ir. Utomo Sarjono Putro, M.Eng as the Dean of SBM ITB. Then, another opening speech and the reading of the inauguration decree was delivered by Gembong Primadjaja as the Chairperson of the ITB Alumni Association.

According to Prof. Utomo, SBM ITB has programs involving alumni. The programs also relate to the Merdeka Learning Campus (MBKM) because they relate to key performance indicators (IKU), such as graduates getting decent jobs or becoming entrepreneurs. Students could gain off-campus experiences and on-campus teaching practitioners through the program, which certainly requires alumni involvement.

After the newly inaugurated Chair of the ITB MBA Alumni Association, Rangga Muslim, MBA., presented ITB MBA Alumni Association's work program plan for the 2021-2025 period, Nazaro Aulany Priyadi as the first speaker of the sharing session started explaining. He said there were three bases for career development based on passion: vision, specialization, and networking.

According to Nazaro, the first thing to do is determine career direction. Then, build a reputation with specialization through certification, training, et cetera to strengthen your branding and make your uniqueness memorable. These are parts of every career journey cycle: starting as a generalist at the entry-level, specializing, and eventually returning to being a generalist when entering a management position (C-level).

"Many entry-level people are confused for things like which career to choose and what field to specialize. We can form passion in various ways. We can also be influenced. The career itself can be our passion after we work, get used to, and specialize. So, the correct thing is to start first. Later, the fine-tune will form by itself," said Nazaro.

The second speaker was Adrian Ariatin. He explained many things he got from the MBA ITB, such as being a mentor experience which directed him to gain new perspectives and get spurred to learn more. He then shared his experiences after graduating from the MBA.

The ITB MBA, according to Adrian, can not only make businesses more advanced but also build a mindset and provide networking opportunities that can last a lifetime. Regarding his passion in career, Adrian shared his opinion with Nazaro.

"In my opinion, go first, beat first. I am sure that nothing is a coincidence. When someone enters an MBA, chooses it instead of another, their life is already directed. Later there is always a way, but do not just wait. Look for it. If you have chosen and you feel it is not right, move on. Even if we take a wrong step or regret something, nothing is in vain. There must be a precious lesson for our lives."

Source: ITB SBM Release
Translator: Zahra Annisa Fitri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2019)