Coaching Career Talk at Vocational UI 2024: MUC Director Highlights the Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace
JAKARTA. In the professional world, having strong hard skills is not enough. Instead, soft skills often determine success in the workplace, encompassing crucial aspects such as mindset, communication skills, and emotional management. This was emphasized by Erry Tri Merryta, Director of MUC Consulting, during the Internship Preparation Seminar, part of the Coaching Career Talk 2024 event organized by the Career Development Department of the Tax Administration Student Association of the Vocational Program at Universitas Indonesia (HMP UI). The event took place on November 21, 2024, at the Vocational Auditorium, UI.
The seminar, titled "Pave the Way for Your Future Career Adventures," was attended by hundreds of students from the Tax Administration Vocational Education Program. During the session, Erry explained three key pillars of soft skills, starting with the mindset that internships are opportunities—not just academic requirements.
“Internships are opportunities to learn best practices in the workplace and develop a sense of responsibility,” Erry emphasized. Additionally, internships allow students to broaden their horizons, upgrade their skills, and build professional networks.
Erry, who is also a career development trainer, highlighted the importance of understanding ethics and attitude in the workplace. She elaborated that attitude reflects one’s behavior and approach to challenges, while ethics serves as a moral compass for professional conduct. She pointed out several factors students should be mindful of during internships, including generational gaps, the importance of effective communication and a digital mindset, as well as an understanding of organizational regulations and corporate work culture.
The final pillar Erry discussed was emotional management. She stated that the ability to manage emotions effectively can distinguish between individuals who succeed and those who struggle under pressure. She stressed the importance of recognizing, validating, and managing emotions, particularly during internships.
“Why is emotional management important? Because it helps us stay focused on learning and absorbing information. It allows us to think clearly when making decisions and enjoy the learning process during internships,” explained Erry, who is also the founder of the social foundation Tim Berbagi Sesama.
As a closing note, Erry shared four key strategies for students to succeed in their internships. First is developing a growth mindset, where students embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Next is building adaptability and resilience, which involve mental and emotional strength in handling pressure and obstacles. “The fourth and final key is emotional regulation, which is essential for staying productive and professional,” she concluded. (KEN)
