The Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), once again held the UI Geoscience Seminar X STARBORN MENGAJAR 2025 on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Auditorium, FMIPA UI Campus, Depok.
Entering its sixth week, this seminar carried the theme “Life After Gedung A”, exploring the journeys of alumni after completing their studies at FMIPA UI — with Gedung A referring to the Department of Geosciences building at FMIPA UI. A total of 80 students from the geology and geophysics study programs attended the event.
The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Eng. Supriyanto, M.Sc., Head of the Geophysics Study Program at FMIPA UI, who emphasized the importance of this event as a bridge between academic life and the professional world.
“Students not only need to learn theory and practice in the classroom, but also gain a real understanding of what the professional world is like. Events like this open their eyes and broaden their perspectives,” said Dr. Supriyanto in his remarks.
The main session featured a talk show with two inspiring alumni: Kukuh Al Rasyid, S.Si. and Ishaidir Siregar, S.Si., who are now working as geoscientists at PT Geoservices. Moderated by Marlina Tjendra (Geology 2021), the talk show was engaging and full of reflection.
The speakers shared their personal experiences, ranging from their reasons for choosing geophysics as a major, the process of finding their first job, to the challenges and dynamics of working in the geoscience industry.
“I initially chose geophysics because I liked physics and earth sciences, but at first, I kind of ‘ended up here by accident’ since I didn’t get into the major I originally wanted. However, it was here that I discovered my passion and career path,” recalled Kukuh Al Rasyid.
Meanwhile, Ishaidir emphasized the reality after graduation:
“Competitions and GPA are indeed important, but they’re not enough. What matters more is perseverance, consistency, and mental readiness to face rejection and keep trying,” he said.
The speakers also highlighted that the most striking difference between academic life and the professional world lies in the responsibility and pressure to meet professional expectations that directly impact the team, company, and environment. They also emphasized the importance of communication skills, cross-generational teamwork, and the ability to adapt to more complex risks.
After the talk show session, the event continued with a prize-winning Q&A session that was met with great enthusiasm from the participants. Questions about strategies for entering the professional world, tips on networking, and the dynamics of the geoscience industry flowed actively from the students.
As a closing, the speakers delivered motivational messages to the students:
“Prepare yourself starting now—don’t wait until later. Expand your network, don’t be too idealistic about a single plan, and stay open to various possibilities. Sometimes the best path comes from the direction we least expect,” said Ishaidir in his closing statement.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers as a token of appreciation, followed by a group photo session capturing the inspiring moments of the UI Geoscience Seminar X STARBORN MENGAJAR 2025 series.
