Through the vision of becoming a research and entrepreneurial university in 2023, Telkom University continues to strive for its commitment to utilize technology, science, and art for the welfare and advancement of the nation’s civilization through entrepreneurial competence.
In his remarks for the Graduation Period II of 2022/2023 Academic Year, Rector of Telkom University, Prof. Dr. Adiwijaya, mentioned the plan of Telkom University to continue the vision until 2023 to have entrepreneur, ecosystem, excellent graduates whose role is highly anticipated by the nation. With that plan, the rector expected that the graduates are not only ready to find jobs, but also are ready to create jobs.
Adiwjaya said, “There are many startups we established, as well as industrial collaborations we did that contribute economically to this nation. This is in line with our vision in the last milestone, which is to create Tel-U to become an entrepreneur, ecosystem, excellent university in 2028, where its role for this nation is highly anticipated. Through the existence of the entrepreneurial program in this campus, praise be to God, there have been many startups and businesses created by the students which we expected for them to not only be ready for jobs but also ready for creating jobs.”
As a token of appreciation to the students actively involved in entrepreneurial activities, Telkom University granted awards to three of graduates getting outstanding achievement in innovation and entrepreneurship on the Graduation Period II in 2022/2023 Academic Year. Those three graduates are Fairuz Zahra Fuadi, alumni of Bachelor of Digital Public Relations of School of Communication and Business, with her Marezafood; Rizalulhaq Rasyid, alumni of Bachelor of Industrial Engineering of School Industrial Engineering, with his Oemah Kue; and Bagas Pratama Nugraha, alumni of Bachelor of Communication of School of Communication and Business, with his Marlina Kopi.
It was, indeed, not an easy task for them to undergo studying with its various activities while building and developing their business. Although it seemed hard, according to the first winner of the award, Fairuz Zahra Fuadi, those tasks could still go hand in hand for those who are willing to succeed and have a strong commitment to balance and manage the activities.
Fairuz said, “The way to manage the time to carry out all these activities simultaneously is to position yourself according to the schedule that has been made. Everything must be executed correctly and consistently according to the timeline. Make time as compact and short as possible because what has been started must be completed as well as possible.”
The entrepreneurship course which is the university’s compulsory course (MKWU) becomes a distinctive facility for students in honing their skills in entrepreneurship. In this course, students can learn to do things related to entrepreneurship, starting from pitching, financial bookkeeping, to training their leadership in managing their business. The third award winner, Bagas Pratama, feels that various activities in his department are very beneficial for him in running his business.
As Bagas said, “Through the business-related courses, I learned how to create a brand soul, carry out Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) activities, brand activities, activate events, and create unique selling points to introduce my business, Marlina Kopi, to the wider community and strengthen the brand itself. Studying communication with marketing communication as my concentration field helps me understand what type of marketing suits my coffee shop. I also get knowledge about social media ads and the importance of advertisement.”
In addition, various student activities at Telkom University also provide encouragement to students in developing their own business, such as the one experienced by the second awardee of best graduates, Rizalulhaq.
Rizal said, “One of factors that pushed the establishment of Oemah Kue was the Dharmamigena (Entrepreneurship) from the cadre’s regeneration of the association of industrial engineering students (HMTI). Therefore, as a co-owner of Oemah Kue, I can also provide inputs and ideas to continue developing the business.”
The three awardees delivered the same message, either to students or to alumni of Telkom University who are both in the process of establishing their business, to keep working and never to give up. They also encourage the students and alumni to never be afraid of starting business because whatever field is currently pursued, there will always be innovation that can be applied in establishing business, and we will never know if we never try.
Contributor: Aqila Zahra Qonita | Editor: Daris Maulana | Image: Public Relations