Nusa Mandiri University's IEP 3+1 Programme Opens Professional Pathways for Students

The digital era demands that university graduates possess not only academic knowledge but also professional experience. Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), a Digital Business Campus, has responded to this challenge with its Internship Experience Programme (IEP) 3+1, a flagship initiative designed to open pathways for students into the professional world before they graduate.

Abyansyah Alam, a seventh-semester student in the Information Systems programme, successfully secured an internship at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs through the IEP. He was assigned to a team handling data management and information. Abyansyah stated that the internship provided a valuable opportunity to see how the theories learned in lectures are applied directly in a professional environment, particularly within a government institution. “My motivation for joining the IEP was to gain direct work experience, especially in a government setting. I wanted to understand the work systems, data management, and decision-making processes in a state institution,” he said.

During his time at the ministry, Abyansyah assisted with data processing, report preparation, and various operational activities. He noted that courses such as Business Intelligence, Database, and Management Information Systems were highly relevant to his daily tasks. Beyond technical skills, he developed communication abilities, critical thinking, and adaptability. “The biggest challenge was adapting to the professional environment and understanding the workflow in a government institution. This experience trained my critical thinking, communication, and sense of responsibility,” he added.

Muhammad Faisal, Head of the Nusa Mandiri Career Center (NCC), explained that the IEP 3+1 is a core strategy to align academic learning with industry needs. “This programme ensures students gain real professional experience. They not only learn theory on campus but also understand work culture, build professional networks, and apply their competencies in actual work settings,” he said. The Career Center provides ongoing support, including CV preparation, interview training, and placement assistance in companies and government agencies.

Sukmawati Anggraeni Putri, Head of the Information Systems Programme, praised Abyansyah’s achievement, noting that it demonstrates how information systems graduates can contribute to the public sector, not just technology companies. “We hope more students will take advantage of internship opportunities to develop their competencies and broaden their professional experience. Achievement is not only measured by GPA, but also by the ability to apply knowledge, adapt, collaborate, and make a real contribution in the professional world,” she said. Through the IEP 3+1 programme, Universitas Nusa Mandiri continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped with competence, experience, and professional networks even before their graduation ceremony.