The Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a preparation and deployment event for students participating in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program for the Spring Semester 2024/2025. The event was held on the morning of February 7, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM in Room 301 of Building A10 (Sosek), Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. It was attended by 126 MBKM students, the Head and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, as well as the Heads of the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program and the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program.
The event featured Dian Fithriwati Darusmin, S.Psi., M.A., an industrial and organizational psychologist, as the keynote speaker. She delivered a session on Work Ethics in Professional Institutions. During her presentation, Dian emphasized the importance of strong work ethics as one of the keys to student success in the professional world, especially during internship programs.
“What we can deliver should exceed the company’s requirements or needs. Don’t just aim for the bare minimum. If someone has a strong work ethic, it will naturally lead to excellent performance in the workplace,” Dian stated.
She also highlighted the importance of focusing on the quality of work and customer satisfaction.
“You must have a focus on quality—not just doing things quickly, but ensuring the results are excellent. If we lack a focus on customers, everything will fall apart. We need to understand what the customer really wants,” she added.
Furthermore, Dian reminded students that work ethics often become the primary differentiator in the professional world.
“Even if someone has a high GPA but poor ethics, it will be difficult for them to get a job. Don’t be surprised if someone with an average GPA gets hired faster—it’s because they have great work ethics,” she explained.
This well-organized and conducive event provided students with valuable lessons. Participants gained deeper insights into the importance of maintaining strong work ethics during their MBKM internships at various institutions. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Practicing strong work ethics not only enables students to make positive contributions in their workplaces but also supports the creation of fair, productive, and sustainable work environments.
Through this preparation, MBKM students from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, UGM, are expected to become individuals who are not only academically competent but also possess outstanding character and work ethics, contributing to national development and supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
Writer: Muhammad Hanan Jamil P.J
Website Admin, Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM