Semarang — The UNDIP Alumni Visit Success Story program once again featured an inspiring story from an alumna of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Diponegoro University. In this edition, the program presented Khoiriyah Sari Pertiwi, S.A.P., an alumna of the Public Administration Study Program, class of 2011, who currently serves as the Head of the Subdivision for Personnel, Organization, and Governance at the Semarang District Court, under the coordination of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia.
In an interview session guided by Damaris Bernike Bellastuti, M.A., Khoiriyah Sari Pertiwi, S.A.P., shared her career journey, which did not begin directly in the public sector. After graduating in 2015, she first built her career in the private sector, specifically in banking. For approximately three years, she worked at Bank BTPN, reaching the position of Supervisor at the Head Office before finally deciding to take the Civil Servant (CPNS) selection test in 2019.
“Opportunities must be seized, especially when you are young. I felt there was no harm in opening up as many opportunities as possible,” said Khoiriyah during the discussion session.
The decision to move from the private sector to the public sector paid off. After passing the CPNS selection, she was placed at the Pekalongan District Court as an Apparatus Human Resources Analyst. Thanks to her performance evaluations and the trust of her superiors, she was then appointed Head of the Subdivision for Personnel and Organization. In December 2024, Khoiriyah was officially transferred to the Semarang District Court, which holds a Special Class IA status.
During the discussion, Khoiriyah emphasized that Public Administration graduates have very broad career opportunities, both in the public and private sectors. According to her, Public Administration science is multidisciplinary and equips students with the ability to understand systems, processes, and organizational dynamics.
“Public administration is not just about government policy. We are trained to understand bureaucratic systems, human resource management, and the ability to adapt to change,” she explained.
She also shared academic experiences that shaped her character and professionalism during her studies at FISIP Undip, ranging from field practices in disaster management and coastal community courses to the disciplined and firm learning experiences with her lecturers.
Beyond academic aspects, Khoiriyah highlighted the importance of student involvement in organizations. Her active experience in the Social Concern Student Activity Unit became a means of learning about leadership, teamwork, conflict management, and real activity management.
“Soft skills like leadership, adaptability, and communication cannot be acquired only in the classroom. Organizations are a crucial learning space,” she said.
Concluding the discussion session, Khoiriyah conveyed a message to Public Administration students not to give up easily, to remain open to opportunities, and to consistently develop themselves amidst changing times, including in responding to technological developments and artificial intelligence (AI).
The UNDIP Alumni Visit Success Story program is expected to continue serving as an inspirational space for students and prospective students to get to know the professional world more closely, broaden career insights, and motivate the younger generation to contribute to the nation through various professional paths.