Mataram, University of Mataram – The Academic Service Unit for Counseling and Career Development (UPA BKPK) at the University of Mataram (Unram) once again held an inspiring seminar titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Pursuing Careers in the Creative and Tourism Industries,” at the Prof. Dr. Sunarpi Dome, Unram, on June 19, 2025. The event attracted participants from various faculties, including alumni who are ready to take real steps toward building their future careers.

The seminar was officially opened by Unram’s Head of the Academic and Student Affairs Bureau, Dwi Suswanto, S.Kom., M.M. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that the rapid development in the creative and tourism sectors demands a workforce with strong adaptability, open-mindedness, and specialized skill sets.

“Work readiness is not born out of thin air. The creative and tourism industries are constantly evolving, requiring professionals who are willing to learn, innovate, and contribute to regional and national development,” said Dwi Suswanto.

Lalu Kusnawan, S.E., as Head of IHGMA NTB (Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association – West Nusa Tenggara), delivered a presentation titled “Mapping Career Challenges and Opportunities in the Tourism Industry.” He guided participants through the dynamics and current developments in the tourism sector, both in NTB and across Indonesia.

In his presentation, he highlighted several key points:

1. The importance of understanding the needs and expectations of business players in the hospitality and tourism sector.

2. Strategies for utilizing social media and digital platforms as a portfolio of personal work for prospective workers.

3. Concrete steps in identifying personal interests and talents to be used as selling points in the creative industry.

4. Work ethics and integrity values for creative workers to grow and survive in the midst of global competition.

“Today, anyone can create opportunities from creative work. It’s not just about technical skills, it’s also about who you are, what value you offer, and how you can communicate that effectively,” Yusril said.

The event also featured a lively Q&A session, where participants enthusiastically engaged with the speakers. They took the opportunity to discuss topics such as:

1. Tips on building a career from scratch

2. The importance of work experience and internships as preparation before graduation

3. Practical strategies for starting a business in the creative and tourism sectors

This activity not only provided knowledge but also motivated participants to take concrete steps toward preparing for a promising career future.

It serves as proof of UPA BKPK Unram’s commitment to bridging academic needs with real-world workforce demands. By involving experienced practitioners, UPA BKPK continuously encourages students and alumni to grow into creative, adaptive, and job-ready professionals, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic and challenging job market.