The role that shapes business direction is often the one valued the least. A bold statement and a fact. Imagine you get into a group project with you being the lead of finding learning materials that is relevant to the course, then all of the sudden the next day when your group presents, one of your coworkers act like they contributed, when in reality they didn’t help and get anything done the day before. That is how researchers are being treated in the industry. Researchers have a vital and yet strategic role, they think of innovation, improving the quality of life, and addressing various global challenges. Despite their essential role, many Indonesian researchers still endure modest living standards and salaries that do not align with their responsibilities or the impact they generate for national development. According to Kompasiana, in developed countries like Japan, research professors’ salaries can reach Rp 600 million to Rp 900 million per month. While in Indonesia, an experienced and highly educated research professors can only earn around Rp 5.2 million to Rp 8.8 million per month. Such circumstances indicate insufficient support from multiple parties for research endeavors, which in turn weakens the development and continuity of the research industry in Indonesia. It is also true that countries with strong research ecosystems have higher innovation competitiveness. But in Indonesia, those who are rich in knowledge must work with the intention of being sincere and selfless because they don’t get an outstanding income. Just like how they treated academician. The government should invest more in researchers. Supportive policies must be established to strengthen research development, particularly through incentives for researchers whose innovations contribute to public welfare. Also, strengthening collaboration with the private sector and international research institutions to increase resources and knowledge in research. Support Indonesian researchers by raising this issue!
Continuing Master’s Degree Just Because You Can’t Find a Job — A Solution or an Escape?
So many fresh graduates continue their master’s degree because it is difficult to get a job in this job market. Truth be told, it is not the main solution to the unemployment problem. Looking at the results of the Consumer Survey released by Bank Indonesia as of March 2024, a survey that measures the level of consumer confidence in economic conditions six months from now compared to now. The expectations index for the master’s degree respondent group plummeted by 20.4 points, from 152.4 in February to 132.0 in March 2024. Shown in the previous data, they are unsure about the availability of sufficient jobs in the future. Sure… master’s degree is useful, but only if you know why you need it. Let’s take step back to think that sometimes we feel like we have to get master’s degree, when in reality the job market needs are more relevant skills. Realistically, fresh graduates should evaluate and find alternative steps to take before deciding to pursue a master’s degree. Pursuing a master’s degree isn’t a shortcut. First thing first, you need to understand market needs and your own capabilities. A master’s degree does not automatically make people more employable if the main problem is a skill gap. Then what should i do? Evaluate and improve your skills by taking courses, build experience through freelancing, internships, collaborative projects. Continue your master’s degree only if you really need specialization, not because you run out of options.
Why Skill Issue Is Now Becoming One Of The Main Causes Of Unemployment?
It’s true that unemployment is increasing due to the global recession phenomenon. But in fact, it is also due to other more complex causes. One of the main causes of unemployment that are trending these days are regarding “skill issue”. What is a skill issue? This occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills possessed by job seekers and the skills required by employers. In one word, it is a situation where companies have so many job vacancies but only a few are suitable for the position they are applying. According to Populix, 30% of job seekers realized their educational background didn’t match the job they were applying for. However, 48% applied anyway because they enjoyed the field, and 44% felt more capable in their new field. This means that in the process of getting to learn their educational background, many still lack skills needed in the world of work. Not only on technical skills, but also soft skills such as communication or collaboration, and transferable skills such as time management. Why are they still lacking when many of them have prestigious educational background? This is the crucial part, today’s educational approach mainly focuses on memorization and written exams. Many universities and schools assess success based on academic grades, rather than project-based assessments or skills portfolios. Meanwhile, industry requires a workforce capable of adapting, working across teams, and solving practical problems. “It’s hard to find a job.” they say. But the reality is, finding the right skills is the hardest part. The world of work changes rapidly, many of us believe we don’t have enough time, if your skills stay stagnant, you will miss out on opportunities that will come to someone else. Then how do we overcome it? Good news is, skills can be learned. This is the right time for you to upskill and reskill to remain competitive in a dynamic job market. Upgrade your skills today—so opportunities don’t pass you by tomorrow.
Gen Z and Their Choosing The Wrong Career Path Phenomenon
As a generation that knows truly what they really wanted and has a unique mentality comparing to other generation, Gen Z is lacking self-awareness in taking responsibility in their career path. Especially in this fast-paced world where Ai is now taking over our jobs in many industries. But is it really the exact reason behind their lack of self-awareness? 87% of students in Indonesia admit to choosing the wrong major, according to an educational psychologist from IDF. This shows that from the very start of their career, many Gen Z chose the wrong major— the major that does not align with their passion and abilities. That leads to their career and future. This means that by the age of 17/18, you are responsible in making decision to what you truly want to do in your career. By that age you have to choose the right major and that requires understanding yourself, your interests, talents, and future plans. Sure, we live in a fast-paced era, but to think that from the very start Gen Z could’ve avoid on taking a job that wasn’t the right fit them and how easily these experiences can making them doubt themselves. To be fair, Gen Z didn’t make a bad decision, but around the time they just didn’t have enough information to make a decision on what they truly wanted to do. Why? Gen Z tend to end up following what others suggest, accepting scholarship offers without considering interests, and pressure from their parents or social life. Choosing the right major in college is one of the biggest decisions of our lives, that leads to our career path and future. The key is to know yourself. Without a clear understanding of your interests, passion, and abilities, you might taking a job that weigh you down in the future. Then, what do i do if I still don’t know what career path I’m heading? Start asking yourself these questions; how do you like to create value for you and your workplace? What something that excites you the most about going to work that would make your day feel less of a burden and more like fulfillment of energy? There is a way to know everything even if we don’t know anything— just be brave enough to start looking.
Workplace Culture: Why is it Important for Your Company
Ever wonder why your company has a high turnover? Maybe it’s not because of the salary you’re offering… but more on the unhealthy workplace culture. What is a workplace culture? Workplace culture is a company’s value that can be built through communication, team work, or employee engagement activities that will help the employer and employees involved in making the workplace more comfortable and fun on both ways. Research by Deloitte shows 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct corporate culture is important to business success. A positive workplace culture can encourage team enthusiasm, mutual trust, and collaborative growth. On the other hand, working in a toxic workplace culture can drain more energy than the work itself. These days, many companies are busy recruiting for filling job vacancies. They tend to think that workplace culture is not important. Based on the Pew Research Center data, 57% of workers decided to resign because they feel unappreciated at work. This shows that a toxic workplace culture that filled with destructive criticism, poor communication, or even micromanagement can create an environment filled with anxiety and stress that will lead to workers’ resignation. Then, how to build a positive workplace culture? You can start by prioritizing open communication, establish clear values and goals, and reward employees for their contributions. Building a positive work culture isn’t a one-time project—it’s a journey that begins with a sincere intention to grow together. Why? Because happy employees means increased performance. A positive work culture isn’t just a bonus, but a long-term investment for all parties.
The “in this economy” phrase and how it effects GenZs Work Ethic!
What is “In this economy” term? The phrase that most of Gen Z used nowadays to criticize social expectations. Getting married? Not in this economy. Wanna buy matching labubus with your bestfriend? Not in this economy. What an interesting yet sarcastic way to counter back those expectations, right? According to a GoodStats survey, 75% of Gen Z allocates their salary to buy food, 63% sets aside for savings and investments, 62% uses it for self-care and helping parents, while 56% uses it for entertainment. Many people thinks Gen Z tend to prioritize self-reward and healing habits, truthfully they don’t necessarily spend all their income on both. 75% of Gen Z shows that the main problem is more on the ever-increasing cost of living, while their income can’t cover basic needs enough. Gen Z is also generally known as the digital natives generation. They consume social media to keep up with the news, reaching trends, even influencing others. This “In this economy” phrase is a combination of those three social media needs. It’s a news that we’re living amidst the uncertain global economic situation. It’s a trend that can counter back social expectations. But what does it do to influence others? Gen Z grows trust in social media influencers and creators. They got disheartened by anyone who comes online ranting about anything. They learned fast through what they consume everyday, they learned smarter, and they knew what should they be fighting for in this economy. So how does it effects Gen Zs work ethic? They’re practical. Gen Z is a true digital natives generation, a fast-learner and goal-oriented in work ethics. This can be a positive side to see but also a disadvantage that makes them impatient. Since they grow trust and empathize a lot in social media, Gen Z also tend to prioritize their mental health, work-life balance, and flexibility in work ethics. This can also be a disadvantage. They lack commitment and low on attachment to the company. So to every Gen Z reading this: In this economy, Gen Z knew what they should be fighting for, including their patience and commitment.
