Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), organized the National Digital Marketing Training and Certification Program in collaboration with Data Academy as part of its efforts to strengthen students’ professional competencies before joining the workforce. The activity took place on 13–15 October 2025 at the Teleconference Room, Soedarah Soepono Building, FEB UNS, and was attended by 30 undergraduate students from the Management, Development Economics, and Digital Business Study Programs, from the 2022 cohort.

The program began with two days of intensive training on 13–14 October, followed by a competency certification assessment by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) on the third day, 15 October 2025.

Vice Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Tastaftiyan Risfandy, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed that this initiative represents a strategic step to support FEB UNS’s vision of producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also equipped with nationally recognized professional certifications. “We want FEB UNS students to have tangible qualifications that enable them to compete in the job market. Through this training, students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also earn BNSP certification that validates their skills in digital marketing,” he stated.

During the training, participants received in-depth sessions from professional digital marketing practitioners, focusing on digital marketing strategies, social media content management, SEO optimization, and digital marketing data analysis. The training was designed to help students understand both strategic and technical aspects of designing effective digital campaigns that align with industry needs.

Head of the Integrated Technology and Information Laboratory, Dr. Mulyadi, S.E., M.Si., explained that this training and certification program is part of the faculty’s policy to equip students with competency certificates as a supplement to their academic degrees (SKPI). “The faculty has set a policy that before graduation, FEB UNS students are expected to obtain competency certification. One of the facilitated schemes is Digital Marketing. Students not only receive training but also BNSP certificates that can be used when applying for jobs,” he said.

He added that the training was conducted intensively over two days using a hands-on training method to ensure students acquire practical skills that can be directly applied. On the third day, participants underwent a competency assessment conducted by BNSP assessors. “We hope all participants pass the assessment and receive the BNSP certificate. However, of course, the results depend on each student’s seriousness and preparation,” he added.

Dr. Mulyadi emphasized that this training was designed to provide equal opportunities for all students, not just those who already run businesses or have entrepreneurial experience. “In the first training, we required participants to have existing business ventures. This time, the approach is different—students in their seventh semester can all register to ensure equal access. This training serves as a learning space for those who are just starting and eager to explore the world of digital marketing,” he explained.

He also highlighted the importance of involving industry practitioners in the learning process. According to him, while many digital marketing learning resources are available for free online, direct mentoring by practitioners offers significant added value. “Many (people) now learn through YouTube or other online platforms. But learning directly from practitioners gives a different perspective, especially strategies and tips that are not always shared on free platforms. That is the added value of this program,” he emphasized.

As a follow-up, Dr. Mulyadi encouraged students to make the most of the knowledge and certification gained from this program to develop their potential in both the job market and entrepreneurship. “The ultimate goal of this program is not just obtaining a certificate, but how students can build their competencies further. We hope they continue honing their skills to become outstanding young professionals in the digital economy era,” he concluded.

This program reflects FEB UNS’s strong commitment to integrating academic education with professional competency development. It also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by enhancing students’ capacities to compete in the global labor market and contribute to the development of Indonesia’s digital economy.