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On Monday (13/5/2024), the English Literature Program held an alumni talk with Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi had worked as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus since 2016. The year of 2020 was the year of retirement for Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi as an Indonesian ambassador.
The Career Talk was attended by all students of the UGM English Literature Program batch 2021, 2022, and 2023. The event was opened by the host Aimar Prabhaswara Dzakri, the President of the English Literature Department Student Association (IMAJI) 2023. The event continued with a warm welcome by the Head of the English Literature Program, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A.
This event aims to enhance students’ understanding of careers in politics and diplomacy. The importance of knowing contemporary issues regarding relations between countries is to create an educated society, strengthen universal solidarity, and be aware of the latest global news. In essence, individuals are part of a large group of people in the world. An individual has a role and contribution to the development and peace of the world.
Story after story was told by Pak Wahid to the students. The story starts from his career journey to the tips given by Pak Wahid to students who want to pursue their career path in diplomacy. He shared tips by saying to broaden the understanding of global issues through reading a lot of the latest news, both those happening in Indonesia and those happening in a worldwide scale.
During the question and answer session, Pak Wahid said that not only students of international relations-related study programs have the opportunity to work in foreign institutions/ministries. He said that anyone can pursue a career as a diplomat, both men and women. He also advised the students to avidly read various books and make reading books a hobby. It is no secret that books can help improve critical thinking, one of the elements needed by students and it is essential in the professional world.
The event ended with the awarding of a book written by Mr. Wahid to one of the student participants who actively asked questions during the activity. The title of the book is Diplomasi Ringan dan Lucu Kisah Nyata. After the awarding session, Pak Wahid and the students took selfies together and had a group photo session.