Fhosya Apriando: Inspiring Journey of IPB University Vocational School Alumni with Commitment to Help Others

Being an alumnus is not just about leaving an educational institution and focusing on your personal career. More than that, alumni are those who have a moral responsibility to help others, especially younger siblings on campus. 

This is the principle used by Fhosya Apriando, Chairman of the Alumni Association (HA) of IPB University Vocational School. Currently, Fhosya continues to actively contribute in helping IPB University students, especially Vocational School, prepare themselves to enter the world of work.

Education and Career Journey

Fhosya, who studied diploma (D3) Communication Science at IPB University Vocational School class 46, has undergone a long journey before finally having a successful career in the business world and becoming a leader in the Alumni Association. 

His early career began as a research assistant at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), now known as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). From there, Fhosya broadened his horizons and competencies with an extension study in Public Relations, and is currently completing his Masters in Management.

Not only in the academic world, Fhosya also started his business career.  In 2015, along with several colleagues, he founded PT Krakatau Shipyard, a shipyard based in Pulo-Ampel Village, Banten. His company also collaborates with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and ministries, running international activities such as publication assessments and business visits. In addition, Fhosya also leads PT Rumah Ide Nusantara, a company engaged in the procurement of heavy equipment spare parts.

Strong Reason for Continuing Studies

As a businessman who has now built his own company for nine years, Fhosya realizes the importance of continuing education. The decision to continue his studies to a master’s level is not only to deepen his knowledge, but also to gain greater privileges in the business and social world. “I needed new knowledge and new privileges,” said Fhosya about his decision.

Leading HA Vocational School IPB University

His activities are not only limited to the business world. Fhosya also had an active involvement in campus organizations during his college days, especially in the Student Executive Board (BEM). The good relationship he established with IPB University administrators, such as the Dean of Vocational School and Rector Prof Arif Satria, strengthened his sense of responsibility as an alumnus. Finally, in 2023, he was elected as the Chairman of HA of IPB University Vocational School.

Fhosya feels that alumni have an important role in supporting their alma mater. “The campus needs alumni and alumni need the campus,” he said. 

According to him, alumni not only contribute financially, but also professionally, by sharing their experiences and networks. For this reason, HA of IPB University Vocational School under his leadership actively collaborates with various campus programs, one of which is the Career Development Center (CDC) at IPB Dramaga and the Alumni Career Center (ACC) at IPB Vocational School.

Helping New Graduates

One of the flagship programs of HA of IPB University Vocational School is the organization of the first Job Fair in Vocational School which took place in the Gymnasium of Vocational School. The event aims to help newly graduated students to be better prepared to face the world of work. Through ACC, new graduates are facilitated in terms of self-development, so that they have adequate competence and understand the world of work in depth.

Fhosya explained that ACC has started holding career development programs that take place twice a month, both online through Zoom and offline through internship programs. “We want to ensure that new graduates have a strong understanding of the careers they will take, and experienced alumni can share their knowledge with them,” he said.

Challenges of Leading the Alumni Association

As Chairman of HA Vocational School, Fhosya faces big challenges, especially in terms of time. The age of HA IPB University, which has now reached 30 years, makes the alumni members have different priorities because they are already established in their respective careers. “The challenge is how we can continue to contribute, even though our time is limited,” he said.

However, Fhosya believes that collaboration between alumni and institutions is essential. With creative communication methods, such as utilizing social media, HA Sekolah Vokasi continues to maintain relationships between its members. “Even though there are alumni located far away, such as in Sumatra, they can still contribute in creative ways,” he added.

Building the Branding of Vocational Graduates

One of Fhosya’s main focuses is to strengthen the branding of vocational graduates. Although applied undergraduate graduates from IPB University are not as popular as undergraduate graduates, especially in local companies, Fhosya believes that their potential can be further explored. “Multinational companies have started to realize the need for applied graduates, while local companies still need to adjust,” he explained.

For this reason, vocational alumni need to be more active in branding themselves, both personally and collectively. According to Fhosya, the more vocational alumni who are successful in their fields, the bigger the name of IPB University Vocational School in the eyes of the world of work.

Message to the Young Generation

For Fhosya, young people who have just graduated must be able to do more than just complete their education. He emphasized the importance of involvement in organizations or other campus activities. “By organizing, we will form bounding emotion and good communication, which is very important when working,” he concluded.

Fhosya believes that being active in organizations will help students gain privileges in the world of work, both in terms of networking and experience. (NZW/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)