When Relationships Become Capital for Entering the World of Work

In the past, when discussing preparation for entering the world of work, the first things that might come to mind were academic grades, diplomas, computer skills, or organisational experience. All of these are indeed important. However, current developments in the world of work show that a person’s abilities are not only judged by what is listed on their CV. The way a person communicates, builds relationships, cooperates, and expands their network is also an important part of their career journey.

This change is increasingly felt in the digital era. Students can now get to know people from various regions and even countries without having to meet in person. LinkedIn, Instagram, digital communities, webinars, seminars, student organisations, and discussion groups can all serve as spaces for building professional relationships. An increasingly connected world makes opportunities to meet new people more open.

However, there is an interesting question worth reflecting on: does having many connections mean we already have good networking?

In my view, the answer is not necessarily. Networking is not simply about having hundreds or even thousands of followers on social media. Networking is the ability to build relationships that have value, trust, communication, and sustainability. From the perspective of Humanist Aesthetics, networking should not view people merely as a ‘path’ to a job or a particular benefit. Behind every connection there is a human being with different experiences, feelings, abilities, and stories.

Therefore, building networking for students should not only be about finding a job, but also about learning to become a person who is able to appreciate other people.

Networking Is Not Just About Adding Contacts

The term networking is sometimes misunderstood as the activity of collecting as many contacts as possible. Students attend seminars, exchange WhatsApp numbers, follow someone’s LinkedIn account, and then feel they have built a professional network.

In reality, a relationship does not automatically form just because someone is in our contact list. Relationships require interaction. There is communication, care, mutual trust, and a willingness to give something to others. A person may have few connections, but the relationships they build are very strong. Conversely, a person may have thousands of followers but not have meaningful relationships with most of them.

This is what gives networking a humanist dimension. When a student gets to know a lecturer, an alumnus, a friend from another university, a practitioner, or an industry player, the relationship should ideally not begin with the thought, ‘What can I get from this person?’ The more humane question is, ‘What can I learn from this person and what can I give through this relationship?’

This change in mindset is simple, but it has a significant impact.

A World of Work That Increasingly Values Human Abilities

The development of technology and artificial intelligence is causing the world of work to change very rapidly. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 states that almost 40 per cent of the core skills required in jobs are expected to change by 2030. At the same time, human abilities such as analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, flexibility, leadership, and collaboration remain important skills.

In Indonesia, changes in labour needs are also visible from the latest employment data. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that in November 2025 the labour force reached 155.27 million people, while the number of employed people reached 147.91 million. These figures show the size and dynamism of the job market that the younger generation must enter.

This sends an important message to students. Having technical skills alone may not be enough. Students need to be able to work with other people. They need to be able to listen, convey ideas, understand different perspectives, solve problems together, and build trust.

Studies and employment policies in Indonesia also place soft skills as an important part of work readiness. Research in the Employment Journal of the Ministry of Manpower emphasises that industrial changes are making the need for soft skills increasingly important, not just hard skills.

Increasingly sophisticated technology does not mean that people need other people less. On the contrary. As routine work is increasingly assisted by technology, the ability to communicate, collaborate, build trust, and understand other people can become even more valuable.

Students and the Challenges of Networking in the Digital Era

Social media provides extraordinary opportunities for students to build networking. A student can attend a seminar organised by a company, interact with speakers, join a community in their field, or discuss with professionals who were previously difficult to meet.

However, this ease also presents challenges. One of them is the tendency to build relationships instantly. We can send a connection request with just one click. We can follow someone without ever really knowing them. We can like a post without reading its contents. As a result, digital relationships sometimes become shallow.

There is also a tendency for some students to feel inferior when they see other people’s achievements on social media. When they see a friend has already got a job, won a competition, has many certificates, or is actively building a professional network, a feeling arises that they are being left behind.

In reality, networking is not a competition. Every person has their own pace and path.