Surakarta, June 10, 2026 – The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) recently held its fourth episode of Alumni Talks. The event took place in the Hybrid Room, Faculty of Psychology, UMS, on Wednesday (June 10, 2026). For this fourth episode, Alumni Talks embraced the theme “Finding Your After-Campus-Life Route” and featured a speaker with extensive international experience. The event served as a preparatory milestone for approximately 60 participants, comprising prospective graduates from both the undergraduate and master’s programs, as well as general students who attended to gain insights from this panel discussion.
This fourth installment of Alumni Talks was more than just a passive “sit and listen” session; it reaffirmed the UMS Faculty of Psychology’s commitment to guiding its students through the critical transition from university to the real world. This crucial phase often leaves prospective graduates feeling confused, anxious, and unprepared to face various paths, such as pursuing further studies, entering the workforce, or starting a business. Producing high-quality graduates who are ready to navigate their futures is the ultimate goal of the Faculty of Psychology—specifically, ensuring these graduates can take concrete steps in planning their careers.
Through this event, UMS, and the Faculty of Psychology in particular, aimed to provide a space and platform for open dialogue, connecting students with seasoned professionals. As a result, prospective graduates are better equipped with a clear orientation and a realistic picture of post-campus life, ensuring they are well-prepared to step out and serve the community.
This edition of Alumni Talks invited an expert who is both an alumna and a Psychology Lecturer at UMS, Santi Sulandari, M.Ger., Ph.D. She is an expert in Gerontological Psychology with over a decade of international career experience, including pursuing her master’s degree in Gerontology at La Trobe University, Australia, and her Ph.D. at the School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK. The inspiring 180-minute discussion was hosted warmly and interactively by moderator Afny Al Fath Inaszahira, affectionately known as Inas. She is a Psychology alumna currently pursuing her Professional Psychologist Education.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at UMS, Dr. Lisnawati Ruhaena, S.Psi., M.Si., Psychologist, along with the Vice Dean III for Alumni Affairs, Mr. Audi Ahmad Rikardi, M.A.
By organizing this event, the faculty’s leadership hopes that prospective graduates will continue to uphold the alma mater’s good name, apply the knowledge they have gained, and develop a better understanding of their post-graduation routes, inspiring them to step confidently into the real world.
During her highly motivational presentation, Santi shared real and inspiring personal stories rather than just theories. She broke down her initial post-graduation plans, expectations, and the stark contrast between the reality of the working world and campus life.
“We need to understand the real difference between passion and competence, as well as how to manage uncertainty when facing difficult turning points in our careers.”
“Living abroad provides a global perspective on the challenges of adapting to a new country. It is this process that ultimately shapes our mindset and perspective in the professional world,” Dr. Santi explained to the participants.
Beyond sharing her international experiences, Santi also offered practical tips—providing direct advice on the immediate first steps to take after graduation and discussing the habits and skills that truly determine career success.
Through the implementation of Alumni Talks, the UMS Faculty of Psychology holds high hopes that all prospective graduates will develop a mature understanding and the resilience needed to respond to post-graduation dynamics. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing a safe space for participants to voice their concerns and aspirations. Ultimately, the Faculty of Psychology hopes that the prospective graduates now have a better grasp of their options and the inspiration to take their next steps with confidence. It is highly anticipated that this program will continue into future episodes under the auspices of Vice Dean III and through close collaboration with the UMS Psychology Alumni Association (IKAPSI UMS).
