The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), equipped prospective graduates of the fourth graduation period for the 2025/2026 Academic Year with insights into the professional world, entrepreneurship, and the role of alumni in forestry development. The session, themed “Alumni Synergy in Forestry Development in North Sumatra,” was held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Acacia-Balsa Room, Faculty of Forestry USU, Campus 2 Bekala, Deli Serdang.
The session featured Faculty of Forestry USU alumnus Aramico, S.Hut., M.Si., a member of the 2001 graduating class who has pursued a career in both the private and government sectors. He currently serves as a civil servant and holds a strategic position in the forestry sector. His experience provided prospective graduates with an overview of the various career and service pathways available after completing their studies.
During the experience-sharing session, Aramico recounted his career journey since graduating from university. Before becoming a government official, he worked for a forest plantation company. Together with his colleagues, he also explored opportunities in the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector, which has since continued to develop and operate in North Sumatra.
Addressing the prospective graduates, Aramico emphasized that entering the workforce as a fresh graduate is a challenging phase. The competitive job market requires graduates to have enthusiasm, hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning. He also reminded them of the importance of seeking their parents’ blessings and giving their best in every opportunity.
“Keep your spirit up, work hard, seek your parents’ blessings, and always do your best,” Aramico advised the prospective graduates as they prepare for their journey after earning their degrees.
The session also featured Yuda Pohan, S.Hut., M.Si., a Faculty of Forestry USU alumnus and Chairperson of the USU Forestry Alumni Association (IKAHUT). Yuda shared his experience in business development and entrepreneurship as an alternative career pathway for forestry graduates.
According to Yuda, entrepreneurship is not solely about generating income for oneself but can also create employment opportunities and provide economic benefits to others. This perspective is expected to broaden prospective graduates’ understanding of how forestry competencies can be applied across various fields, including building businesses that create value and employment opportunities.
In addition to the briefing sessions, certificates were presented to the Faculty of Forestry USU’s outstanding graduates in recognition of their academic achievements and accomplishments throughout their studies. The moment served both as an acknowledgment and an encouragement for the graduates to uphold their integrity and competencies and continue striving for excellence as they enter the professional world.
On the same occasion, a symbolic handover of the graduates to the Chairperson of IKAHUT USU, Yuda Pohan, S.Hut., M.Si., was also conducted. The ceremony marked the transition from being members of the academic community to becoming alumni who are expected to remain connected with their alma mater through the IKAHUT USU network.
The session served as a meeting point between the experiences of alumni and the new generation of foresters. Career stories, entrepreneurial insights, recognition of outstanding graduates, and the symbolic handover of graduates reinforced the message that graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a broader opportunity to create and contribute to society and forestry development.
The event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through efforts to strengthen graduates’ readiness and capacity to enter the workforce. The emphasis on entrepreneurship and job creation supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, while strengthening connections between the faculty and its alumni network contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering sustainable collaboration for the advancement of forestry in North Sumatra.