The Independent Campus Learning Program (MBKM) is an initiative from the Ministry of Education that allows students to take courses outside their study program and carry out activities outside campus through various learning activities. This program aims to help students develop themselves holistically. In the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, Class of 2021 students from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program (Prodi EPA) and the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program (Prodi PKP) participated in this MBKM program.
The MBKM program consists of several learning activities (BKP) that students can choose from: Student Exchange, Internships, Teaching Assistance in Education Units, Research, Humanitarian Projects, Entrepreneurial activities, Independent Studies, and Thematic KKN. Several students also shared the experiences they gained during their internship.
Dinda from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program chose to do an internship at UPTD BP4 Region III, Seyegan District. During the program, she was involved in activities such as field schools, field trips, and projects entrusted by her superiors. Dinda’s most memorable experience was when she contributed to a project that would later be used for competitions at provincial and national levels.
Benny, also from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program, chose a different learning activity: MBKM research at the Yogyakarta Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency. Her activities include technical guidance, content management, and trials of spirulina plant cultivation. Benny also shared one of the funny moments when she was implementing the BKM program when he bought the wrong ingredients for a spirulina installation, which made her mentor laugh but still supported her in correcting the mistake.
Fuad, an Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program student, found the MBKM program to be a transformative experience. He participated in independent studies at Binar Academy in the Product Management – Digital Product class. This opportunity allowed him to deepen his knowledge regarding work as a Product Manager. The most significant impact of the program on Fuad was the chance to learn many things that he did not receive in lectures, which was instrumental in his personal development.
Fitriana, from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, chose to do an internship at PT. Indigen Karya Unggul is an agro-tech company engaged in premium hydroponic melons and hydroponic lettuce. Fitriana helps market premium hydroponic melons and participates in various activities during Open Farm or melon picking tours. Her most memorable experience was when he contributed to promotions, activity preparation, recording visits, being a tour guide, and being a speaker during hydroponic training.
Dinda, Benny, Fitriana, and Fuad highly recommend the MBKM program to other students. According to them, this program is beneficial for expanding relationships, developing oneself, getting used to a real work environment, learning new things outside the study program, and training hard and soft skills. Participation in the MBKM program shows the commitment of students from the UGM Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics to continue developing their competencies and preparing themselves to face an increasingly complex and dynamic world of work. With this program, it is hoped that more and more students will be interested in participating and experiencing the extraordinary benefits.