Skills Companies Seek In Fresh Graduates
Date: April 25
Location: Kominfo – Midpoint Place
Duration: 2 Hours
Participants: 42 Vocational Schools (Teachers & Principals)
Speakers:
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Ms. Rhea Adri, Head of Human Resources – PT Robert Bosch
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Ms. Vanessa Fulvia, Employee Experience Analyst – Kawan Lama Group
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Ms. Steffy Anggraini, S.E., Marketing of Development – BICCA
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Mr. Budi Ahmadi, Production & TEF Manager – PT Robert Bosch
On April 25, 2025, our organization proudly hosted the inaugural edition of HR Talk Vol. 1 at Kominfo’s Midpoint Place, with the timely and vital theme: “Skills Companies Seek in Fresh Graduates.”
The two-hour in-person event brought together leaders from top companies and 42 vocational school educators from across the region. The goal was clear: to close the gap between what schools teach and what companies need. The result was an energetic and highly interactive session, rich with insights, practical knowledge, and collaboration.
Opening the Dialogue: Education Meets Industry
The HR Talk series was initiated to create a structured space for dialogue between academia and industry, with a focus on preparing students for the workforce. With rapid changes in technology, the evolution of work culture, and the growing importance of soft skills, this first edition was both timely and necessary.
The room was filled with principals and teachers—those on the frontlines of vocational education—who were eager to gain insights that could directly influence their teaching methods, curriculum design, and student development strategies.
Keynote 1: Industry Expectations – Ms. Rhea Adri, PT Robert Bosch
The event kicked off with Ms. Rhea Adri, Head of HR at PT Robert Bosch, who shared insights from the perspective of a global company operating in Indonesia. She emphasized that while technical skills are a baseline, what truly distinguishes successful fresh graduates are soft skills and mindset.
“Companies can train people in tools, systems, and processes. But what we cannot easily teach is attitude, resilience, and the willingness to learn,” she said. She went on to explain that employers value candidates who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, teamwork, and clear communication, especially in fast-paced environments.
She also highlighted the growing demand for digital fluency—not just in IT roles, but across all departments. Vocational students who understand basic digital tools, are comfortable with automation, and can use data to make decisions will always have an edge.
Keynote 2: The Fresh Graduate Experience – Ms. Vanessa Fulvia, Kawan Lama Group
Next, Ms. Vanessa Fulvia from Kawan Lama Group took the stage to share her experience working directly with fresh graduates. As an Employee Experience Analyst, she has a unique vantage point into how graduates adjust (or struggle) in their first year of employment.
Her presentation focused on the transition phase between school and work. She noted that many students come into the workforce with solid technical foundations but lack exposure to real-world problem solving, time management, or professional communication.
“Vocational students must be prepared not just for the work itself, but also for the workplace culture—how to manage expectations, deal with feedback, and collaborate in diverse teams,” she explained.
She also encouraged schools to provide more opportunities for internships, project-based learning, and exposure to real company challenges. “The closer school feels to the workplace, the better prepared students will be.”
Keynote 3: Vocational Talent Development – Ms. Steffy Anggraini, BICCA
Ms. Steffy Anggraini, representing BICCA, gave a business development perspective on hiring and nurturing vocational talent. She provided examples of how companies in the creative and marketing fields value not only technical competency but also adaptability and initiative.
She also shared a list of practical advice for vocational schools:
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Introduce portfolio-building activities as part of assessments.
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Encourage entrepreneurial thinking alongside job-readiness.
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Simulate client-facing situations to improve communication and confidence.
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Teach students how to write a CV, handle interviews, and market their skills.
Her message was clear: “Today’s vocational students are tomorrow’s professionals. Let’s train them to think and act like professionals even before graduation.”
Keynote 4: The Factory Floor Perspective – Mr. Budi Ahmadi, PT Robert Bosch
The final speaker, Mr. Budi Ahmadi, brought an operational perspective from PT Robert Bosch’s manufacturing division. As a Production and TEF (Technical Engineering Functions) Manager, he works closely with fresh graduates on the factory floor.
He emphasized that discipline, punctuality, and safety awareness are non-negotiable skills in the industrial setting. “We love hiring from vocational schools because of the technical base, but we also need students who understand teamwork, follow procedures, and are proactive in solving small problems before they become big ones.”
Mr. Budi also introduced Bosch’s internal training programs and encouraged schools to collaborate with companies more closely to align their curriculum with current industrial standards.
Academia x Industry: 30 Minutes of Open Exchange
One of the most appreciated segments of the event was a 30-minute open forum, where the tables were turned. Teachers and principals raised real questions to the speakers, and in return, industry leaders offered honest, constructive feedback.
Some of the questions discussed included:
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How can vocational schools better assess soft skills?
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What is the role of certifications vs. practical experience?
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How do companies view school rankings or reputations?
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How important is English proficiency in non-English roles?
This interactive dialogue not only allowed for clarification but also built trust and opened doors for future collaboration. Many attendees exchanged contact details with the speakers and expressed interest in arranging company visits, guest lectures, and student internship placements.
Key Themes and Takeaways
From the engaging keynotes and dialogue, several recurring themes emerged:
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Mindset matters more than hard skills – Companies seek learners, not know-it-alls.
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Soft skills are key differentiators – Communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and professionalism must be taught intentionally.
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Real-world exposure is essential – Internships, simulations, and real project work bridge the school-to-work gap.
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Industry partnerships benefit everyone – Teachers gain insights, companies find talent, and students become more job-ready.
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Feedback should go both ways – Schools and companies should co-create future learning strategies.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
As HR Talk Vol. 1 came to a close, the room was buzzing with energy and a shared commitment to prepare Indonesia’s youth for a competitive, ever-changing job market.
Attendees left not just with notes and insights, but with a sense of direction. Several principals expressed interest in revamping parts of their curriculum, and teachers were eager to integrate more collaborative, skills-based assessments.
Meanwhile, company representatives were equally enthusiastic. They saw the event as a meaningful step toward shaping a future workforce that is competent, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.
As one teacher summed it up: “For the first time in a long time, I feel like the bridge between school and industry is real—and it’s getting stronger.”
HR Talk: A Continuing Series
This is only the beginning. HR Talk will return in the coming months, continuing to explore key themes around talent readiness, industry trends, and strategic education reform. Our next edition will focus on internship program design and how to make them mutually beneficial for companies and schools.
In the meantime, we thank all speakers, attendees, and partners who helped make HR Talk Vol. 1 a resounding success.
Together, we are not just talking about change—we are making it happen.
