In the heart of Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) is making waves in the construction industry with a groundbreaking study led by Meity Wulandari from the Civil Engineering department. The research, published in ‘Jurnal Pensil’ which translates to ‘Pencil Journal’, delves into the crucial relationship between the expertise and competence of civil engineering graduates and their chosen fields of work. This isn’t just about academic curiosity; it’s about understanding how well universities are preparing students for the real world, and the implications for industries that rely on a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
The study, which employed a tracer method involving questionnaires filled out by graduates, revealed some compelling insights. According to the data, 82% of UNESA’s civil engineering alumni are working in the construction field, while 18% have ventured into non-construction sectors. This distribution isn’t just a testament to the relevance of the civil engineering curriculum at UNESA, but also indicates a strong alignment between the skills graduates acquire and the needs of the industry. “The data shows a clear trend,” Wulandari explains, “Our graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the construction sector, and this has significant implications for how we structure our curriculum moving forward.”
The findings also shed light on the employability of UNESA’s alumni. The research showed that 73% of 2022 graduates, 64% of 2023 graduates, and an impressive 87% of 2024 graduates have secured jobs, highlighting a growing trend in employability and the relevance of the curriculum to the industry. This is a strong indicator of how well the university is preparing its students for the workforce. “Our goal is to ensure that our graduates are not just employable, but that they are also equipped with the skills and knowledge that the industry needs,” Wulandari adds.
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector, which relies heavily on civil engineering expertise for infrastructure projects. With a clear understanding of how well universities are preparing graduates, energy companies can better plan their recruitment strategies and even collaborate with educational institutions to shape curricula that meet their specific needs. This could lead to a more efficient and effective workforce, ultimately driving innovation and growth in the sector.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and sustainability goals, research like Wulandari’s will play a pivotal role in shaping future developments. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, UNESA is not only enhancing the employability of its graduates but also ensuring that the construction and energy sectors have the skilled workforce they need to thrive. This study, published in the Pencil Journal, serves as a blueprint for how universities can align their curricula with industry needs, fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits both graduates and the industries that employ them.
