University Should Not Just Be About Getting a Job, It's Time to Become Entrepreneurs
In the midst of global economic uncertainty and rapid changes in the world of work, I see a crucial need to shift the perspective on higher education. For years, university has been viewed primarily as a pathway to employment. While this is not wrong, the digital era demands that this paradigm be expanded. Campuses must not only produce job-ready graduates but also individuals capable of building businesses, creating innovations, and opening economic opportunities for society. This change is increasingly relevant as digital technology and artificial intelligence transform industrial sectors, potentially replacing some jobs while simultaneously creating new entrepreneurial opportunities. The future belongs to those who are adaptive, creative, and brave enough to seize these opportunities.
An entrepreneurial spirit does not emerge instantly; it must be cultivated through a learning process that encourages bold thinking, decision-making, and risk management skills. Therefore, management education in higher education must go beyond theory and provide real-world experiences that bring students closer to the actual business world. Students need to learn how to design business models, read market opportunities, manage finances, build marketing strategies, and leverage digital technology to accelerate business growth.
As part of Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), known as a Digital Business Campus, we believe in implementing this vision. One of our strategic initiatives is the Internship Experience Program (IEP) 3+1, which allows students to spend three years on campus learning and one year gaining direct experience outside, whether through industry internships, entrepreneurial projects, research, or independent study. This program serves as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, enabling students to test business ideas, understand market dynamics firsthand, and build leadership and decision-making skills. Many of our students have even started their own businesses while still studying.
In the digital economy, success is no longer determined solely by who has the largest capital, but by who can innovate the fastest. Therefore, the younger generation must build the courage to become creators of opportunities, not just passive waiters. Indonesia needs more young entrepreneurs who can harness technology to create solutions and new economic value. Their presence will be a key driver of economic growth and will open wider employment opportunities for the community. Ultimately, university should not just be a journey to obtain a degree; it must be a process of building character, courage, and the capability to face future challenges. I invite the younger generation to change their perspective on higher education. Instead of asking, ‘Where will I work after graduation?’, start asking, ‘What innovation can I create and what job opportunities can I generate after graduation?’ The future is not always owned by those who seek the best jobs; often, it is won by those who dare to create it.