Indonesian Literature, USU – The Indonesian Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), held the Alumni Meet and Greet: Career Talk event online via Zoom on Friday, October 23, 2026. The event, which began at 09:30 WIB, was attended by more than 70 participants consisting of students of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU.

The event featured two inspiring alumni, namely Dr. Esron Sinambela, S.S., S.H., M.H., Major General of the Indonesian Army and alumnus of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU, and Dr. Muharrina Harahap, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Medan, and alumna of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU. The event was moderated by Dra. Nurhayati Harahap, M.Hum., a lecturer of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU.

The event began with opening remarks by the Head of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU, Emma Marsella, S.S., M.Si., who stated that the Alumni Meet and Greet event was one of the study program's efforts to strengthen relationships between alumni and students. Through this event, students are expected to gain insights into the various career opportunities available to graduates of the Indonesian Literature Study Program.

“The Indonesian Literature Study Program not only equips students with language and literature competencies but also with critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills. The experiences of alumni are expected to inspire students in preparing themselves to enter the workforce,” stated the Head of the Study Program.

The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU, Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., represented by the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Zulfan, S.S., M.Hum., also expressed appreciation in his remarks for organizing an event involving alumni. According to him, alumni play a strategic role in strengthening the relationship between the academic and professional worlds.

“The success of alumni in pursuing careers across various fields demonstrates that the competencies acquired during their studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences are relevant and can be developed across various employment sectors. We hope this event will motivate students to continuously improve their competencies, build their character, and prepare themselves to become outstanding and competitive graduates,” stated the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs of FIB USU, representing the Dean.

During the Career Talk session, both speakers shared their career journeys, the challenges they had faced, and the competencies needed to achieve success in the professional world. Dr. Esron Sinambela shared his career experience as a senior officer in the Indonesian Army. He emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, leadership, responsibility, and communication skills in carrying out professional duties.

This experience provided students with the perspective that competencies acquired through language and literature education can serve as valuable assets in various professional fields, including those not directly related to literary disciplines.

Meanwhile, Dr. Muharrina Harahap shared her professional experience in higher education, particularly in the development of Indonesian language and literature. She explained the importance of mastering academic knowledge, academic skills, consistency in learning, and commitment to the development of knowledge. The speaker also provided an overview of career opportunities for Indonesian Literature graduates in education, research, linguistics, literature, and cultural development.

The discussion took place interactively, providing students with opportunities to obtain information and engage in direct dialogue with the alumni. The various experiences shared offered a real picture of the dynamics of the professional world, the process of building a career, and the importance of developing personal competencies in accordance with the needs of the times.

Through the Alumni Meet and Greet: Career Talk event, the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU, hopes to strengthen alumni networks, increase student motivation, and provide broader perspectives on graduate career prospects. This event also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the enrichment of insights and development of student competencies, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through improving students' readiness to enter the workforce, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening collaboration among the study program, alumni, and students. This event is part of the commitment of the Indonesian Literature Study Program, FIB USU, to preparing adaptive, professional, and competitive graduates.