In university, students are certainly no strangers to various activities, both academic and those aimed at developing skills to enhance their portfolios. Activities like boot camps or vocational training, which are frequently organized by various institutions, are a few examples. Participation in these activities provides students with tangible proof of their achievements in the form of certificates.

A certificate is an official document issued as proof that someone has completed training or an activity. Although certificates may be considered insignificant in certain contexts, they play an essential role in supporting one's portfolio when applying for jobs.

The value of certificates became a key topic during the launch of UNDIRA's Career Portal on October 10, 2024. In the event, the Chairman of the Dian Asra Foundation, Mr. Sagoro Dharmawan, remarked that in the 4.0 industrial era, students need strategies to face the increasingly competitive job market.

In the realm of job applications, certificates serve several important functions, including:

1. Enhancing Credibility
   Certificates act as official proof that someone possesses specific skills or competencies. With a certificate, an individual’s credibility in the eyes of companies, clients, or colleagues is significantly boosted due to recognition from a trusted institution. This is particularly important in fields that require particular skill sets such as Journalism, Graphic Design, and Accounting.

2. Strengthening Competitiveness
   In a competitive job market, certificates can make candidates stand out from other applicants. Many companies prefer candidates with relevant certifications, as they are seen as more prepared and trained in the field.

3. Expanding Career Opportunities
   Certificates often serve as prerequisites for job applications or promotions, particularly in fields like information technology, healthcare, finance, and project management. Having a certificate enables individuals to access positions or career opportunities that might be difficult to obtain without one.

4. Sharpening and Updating Skills
   The process of obtaining a certificate usually involves training and exams that require individuals to update their knowledge. Certification allows a person to stay current with the latest developments in their field, refresh their skills, and enhance their knowledge with the latest technology or methods.

Considering these benefits, students are encouraged to participate in various training sessions that can improve their skills beyond their academic learning. This is crucial as multidisciplinary skills increase the chances of securing a higher-level job, and some positions requiring specialized expertise mandate certifications to confirm that the individual meets the qualifications for the role.

Several jobs, such as Quality Control, Project Management, and Quality Assurance (and even in certain fields of science and management), require applicants to undergo certification tests that meet international standards (ISO).

Furthermore, having specific certificates may allow individuals to participate in academic activities or even open opportunities to work abroad. For example, Japan, which has been offering opportunities to applicants from various countries in recent years, requires job applicants to hold at least an N3 certificate to be eligible for work there.

With these benefits in mind, it is hoped that students will not be discouraged but instead continue to hone their skill sets by participating in various boot camps, seminars, and webinars organized by different institutions. As an educational institution, Universitas Dian Nusantara frequently holds webinars and variety of classes covering a variety of topics useful for students. With UNDIRA's education system, which emphasizes Science and Technology, students are equipped with the skills necessary to become competent graduates who are ready to compete in the workforce.