The International Relation Program (HI) is currently a popular program among Indonesian student choices. Many High School students are interested about this program because of its promising work prospect. However, in reality there are bunch of extra efforts that one has to take in order to achieve your dream career.

For those of you who are interested in the International Relation Program, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) offers you a program with “A”-accreditation and unique focus of study in comparison to other universities. We have Southeast Asian Studies, International Trade, as well as International Corporation and Safety as our concentration programs. The alumni of International Relation UPH have pursued their career in various fields starting from being a Diplomat for the Republic of Indonesia, Policy or Business Consultant, and being a professional in Bank or Multinational Company.

One of our alumni, Calvin Khoe (2014), was very active during his college days. He joined various activities and even got an award in Harvard Model United Nations 2016. Right now, he is pursuing his career as a Research Associate in FPCI (Foreign Policy Community Indonesia). Calvin work directly for the Ambassador, Dino Patti Djalal, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia in 2014 and former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States. Here are some tips from Khoe as an alumni.

1. Improve Soft Skills
There are a wide range of soft skills including critical thinking, the ability to negotiate, human and resources management, public speaking, networking, and problem solving. These are one of the main assets for you to compete in the professional world. During your study period, you can enhance your soft skills by joining the student organization. It is even better if you can join an activity that is related to you program. For example, In International Relation UPH we have International Relation Student Association (HMPS HI), Model United Nations Community, IR Debate Club, HI News and FPCI Chapter UPH.

2. Explore More
When undergoing your study period in university, don’t be a student who “lives in a bubble.” What does that mean? It’s a saying for students who only focus on pursuing knowledge. When you are in the university, you have to be courageous and explore the activities you can do outside the campus; you can join seminar, conference, or even trainings held by professionals in order to enhance your network and experience which will be really beneficial after you graduate. GPA is not the only key to success, connection and practical experience in the professional field will help you to achieve your dream career.

3. Keep in Touch with Your Academic Counselor
Make the best use out of your connection with lecturers. Don’t just call them when you are facing problems. Make sure that you receive guidance and the necessary information because they will always help you. Remember that your lecturers are the gate to the real world, and maybe even your dream career. Starting from your lecturer, you can start adding networks and building opportunities for your dream career.

4. Build Networking
Just like its name, the International Relation program studies the relation between nations. Therefore, it is important for International Relation students to learn about networking since their college days. For the first step, you can build networking by having friends from other program and then you continue to enlarge your scope of relationship and have friends from another campus. This will help you get used to relate with anyone.
See? Pretty challenging isn’t it? So, if you want to achieve your dream career in the International Relation field, don’t give up easily and always work hard. Don’t forget to follow the tips above too! Keep your spirits up students!