The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a Graduate Briefing titled “Becoming with Purpose: Finding Direction at Work,” Monday (20/4). The event is held at the Selasar of Gedung D, with 35 graduate students participating from 10:00-12:30 WIB. The session prepares graduates not just for entering the dynamic workplace, but also encourages them to understand the meaning and purpose of the journey of building a career.
The event invites Adhika Ayu Pratisthita, S.Pd., M.A., a headmaster at SMP Budya Wacana Yogyakarta, who shared her own career journey from a degree in Biology Education to graduating with a Master’s in Psychology at UGM.
“Career is not only about position, but about purpose, growth, and impact,” Ayu said.
Her message challenged the conventional mindset that a career is only valuable if it leads to a high position or a high salary. Instead, she invited the graduates to focus on understanding their own values and purpose. She believed that when you truly understand what you want to contribute to the world, your work becomes a source of joy and fulfilment.
“I don’t know where you all will work or go back to work at, but once you find that your field is your calling, you usually don’t do it half-heartedly. You will want to keep learning, keep upgrading yourself,” explained Ayu.
Ayu emphasised that the process of finding one’s true calling is what truly shapes a career. It is not always clear from the start, and the journey is full of learning opportunities and reflections. For Ayu, it was a spiritual journey that helped her realise that the world of education is where she could grow while making a meaningful impact.
“Don’t just ask what you want to be, but also ask what impact you want to have on people and society around you,” she advised.
Ayu also left a message for the graduates, encouraging them to find meaning in their work. She emphasised that discovering your purpose and value is a process, and it often does not go as planned. Therefore, she concluded by urging them to stay open to opportunities for continuous learning.
The event was held in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere, concluding with a reflection of the graduate’s life purpose and career direction. The event is hoped to encourage graduates to think beyond conventional career paths, focusing on what truly matters: impact, growth, and making meaningful contributions.
Author: Arrasya Aninggadhira
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana