Dear Parents: Prioritise Universities That Prepare Children for Digital Careers
Trends in selecting universities are undergoing a significant shift. Parents are no longer solely considering whether a university is public or private; instead, they are increasingly focusing on the relevance of study programmes, career readiness, and the institution’s connectivity to the industrial world, according to the Digital Business Study Programme at Cyber University (Universitas Siber Indonesia).
This phenomenon, which has gained traction on social media, reflects a change in public perception regarding higher education. Parents are increasingly prioritising the quality of the learning experience and the employment opportunities available to students upon graduation. In response to these developments, the Digital Business Study Programme at Cyber University suggests that universities must provide learning that is relevant to the needs of the digital industry.
Utilising an ‘Industry-Based University’ concept, Cyber University integrates business studies, technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, and digital business into its curriculum. Students do not merely receive theoretical material in classrooms; they are also involved in various industrial projects, professional internship programmes, and case-study-based learning tailored to current workforce requirements.
Vivi Afifah, Head of the Digital Business Study Programme at Cyber University, stated that digital transformation is altering how companies recruit and develop talent. Consequently, universities must prepare graduates with competencies that meet industrial demands. “Currently, parents are becoming more discerning when choosing universities for their children. They are not only looking at tuition fees but also considering whether the campus can provide industrial experience, build digital competence, and open real career opportunities after graduation,” said Vivi.
She noted that the primary consideration in choosing a university is shifting from institutional status to the quality of outcomes experienced by students. Parents increasingly view education as a long-term investment in their children’s future. “In the digital economy era, job readiness and competency relevance are far more important investments than merely considering the status of a university,” she explained.
The Digital Business programme at Cyber University is designed to meet evolving industrial needs, blending business science, information technology, data analytics, digital marketing, and digital entrepreneurship into a single learning ecosystem. The programme prepares graduates for high-demand roles such as Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Digital Entrepreneurs, and Business and Finance Consultants.
To support these needs, Cyber University has established partnerships with various technology companies, startups, fintech firms, and other digital industries. These collaborations ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with labour market developments. Furthermore, Cyber University implements the ‘Company Learning Program (CLP) 3+1’ concept, consisting of three years of academic study followed by one year of industrial experience. This programme allows students to gain professional experience before completing their studies.
Vivi added that the changing paradigm in university selection demonstrates a rising public awareness of the importance of career readiness. Universities are no longer just places to obtain a degree, but spaces to build competence and professional experience. “Higher education today is not just about graduating and obtaining a diploma; more importantly, it is about how students possess the ability to adapt, innovate, and contribute amidst rapid change,” she concluded.