Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), invited an inspiring alumna to the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Suhardi Hall, FEB UNS. Bunga Herlina Oktaviyanti, an alumna of the Accounting Study Program who currently serves as Senior Vice President – Executive Business Officer at PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI), delivered a motivational talk to more than 600 new FEB UNS students.

Tastaftiyan Risfandy, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, introduced Bunga as one of FEB UNS’s outstanding alumni who brings pride to the faculty. He highlighted that she is a clear example of a graduate who successfully integrated academic competence, personal character, and organizational experience during her studies into her professional career.

With her distinguished career in the national banking sector and her current position as Senior Vice President at PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Bunga has inspired many, not only through her achievements but also through her consistency in upholding integrity, hard work, and the spirit of lifelong learning. In her session, she encouraged students to take pride in being part of UNS and to use their university years as a foundation for building their future. “Dreams are free, so dream as high as you can. Once you have a vision, the most important thing is persistence in realizing it. Keep working tirelessly, without stopping,” she remarked.

She also reminded the students that every achievement comes with its own challenges. “On the journey to reach a certain point, the path is never always smooth. What matters is how we respond to those obstacles—with spirit and determination, without giving up,” she explained.

Bunga further shared her perspective on resilience when facing rejection and failure. “If you never face rejection or failure, you will not know how tough your struggle is, nor how beautiful success feels when it comes. It is okay to feel sad, but never forget to rise again!” she emphasized.

Beyond academics, Bunga underlined the importance of involvement in campus organizations. She stated that active participation develops leadership skills, builds networks, enhances communication abilities, and strengthens teamwork. Concluding her presentation, she emphasized that students should go through three essential stages.

First, begin university life with energy and enthusiasm to grow both individually and as part of the FEB UNS community. Next, take the learning process seriously by making full use of the curriculum and opportunities for developing both hard and soft skills offered by the university. Finally, become graduates of quality, adaptability, and integrity—ready to face the professional world with strong competence and character. Her motivational message is expected to inspire and encourage new FEB UNS students as they embark on their academic and career journey.

Through this activity, FEB UNS contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by fostering meaningful, experience-based learning through alumni engagement as role models. It also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by equipping students with the skills and motivation needed to face a dynamic and competitive workforce.