Jakarta, February 18, 2026 – As we enter the current digital era, a career is no longer merely a choice but a primary imperative. However, the advancement of technology and automation has increasingly widened the gap between senior and junior levels in the recruitment process. Coupled with expanding demographics, this has precipitated a career crisis among Generation Z.

Recognizing that career preparation in the digital age is a top priority for educational institutions, the Bureau of Career Development and Alumni of Universitas Dian Nusantara (BPKA UNDIRA) organized an open interactive webinar titled “Viral Careers in the Digital Era: Perspectives from Practitioner Influencers and Alumni” on January 14, 2026.

The event, which was welcomed with great enthusiasm by 381 participants, featured two distinguished resource persons: Mr. Abigail Aryaputra Sudarman (Abi Sudarman), a research-focused influencer at KORIKA and Responsible AI Fellow at Microsoft, and Mr. Didik Susanto (often addressed as Mr. DeeDee English), a Content Creator, Educator, and UNDIRA alumnus.

Prof. Dr. H. Suharyadi, the Rector of UNDIRA, who attended this #51st webinar, stated that society is currently undergoing a comprehensive paradigm shift due to technological developments.

“In the Digital Era, building a career is a major challenge that UNDIRA students are experiencing or will experience. However, those who can adapt well will discover career prospects that not only generate high income but also align with their personal choices,” he remarked.

Prof. Dr. H. Suharyadi further added that, notwithstanding AI's potential to replace human labor, humans possess personal branding skills—an attribute AI lacks. He advised students to strive hard and become entrepreneurs who not only follow market trends but also provide value to society and their immediate communities.

Mr. Abigail Aryaputra Sudarman highlighted the existence of a “continuous shift” in human civilization. He stated that the AI age has arrived, where data, algorithms, and computing have become the dominant players and contributors across various industrial sectors.

“Based on a review by The Economist, current technological and AI advancements make it increasingly difficult for fresh graduates to find job opportunities. Many large companies are now reducing human staff in favor of AI, and entry-level workers are no longer the primary focus of HR departments. Therefore, if you assume that graduation alone will lead you to a career, it is advisable to reconsider that perception,” he asserted firmly.

Despite AI posing a growing threat to employment absorption, Mr. Abigail Aryaputra Sudarman advised UNDIRA students not to give up and to consistently develop portfolios aligned with their expertise.

“Be diligent in creating portfolios to the best of your ability. If you are in the Accounting Study Program, analyze stocks and publish your findings; or if you are from the English Literature Study Program, write a study or book to be copyrighted. Small steps like these will take you further, not only in the professional world but also by providing authentic contributions amidst the current AI explosion,” he said.

“Finally, change your mindset from a junior mindset—focusing on how to make something that fits the market—to a manager mindset: defining strategy, managing teams, and managing quality checks,” he continued.

Mr. Didik Susanto, affectionately known as “Mr. DeeDee English,” who is also an alumnus of the UNDIRA English Literature Study Program, emphasized a message that was not only powerful but also strengthened the resolve of current UNDIRA students aspiring to build careers through “The Power of Identity.”

According to him, The Power of Identity instills the principle that a successful business is based on how one can make the audience believe in the content and not leave within three seconds of presentation.

“A person is judged not by how expensive their possessions are when starting a career, but by their courage to have character. Viral status is merely a number, but ‘emotional connection and facts’ are the top priority. We often forget that humans look for a mirror, not a display; they connect with what is honest, not what is merely expensive and artificial,” he stated.

Mr. Didik Susanto continued by stating that the secret of a Content Creator lies in three main pillars: Niche, Personal Branding, and Skillset. He assessed that although AI is capable of performing various analyses, in workspaces demanding specific skill sets, humans still possess unique niches, and one must diligently develop them.

“We must remember that sharing is not just about seeking numbers. Furthermore, do not focus too much on one thing that causes an inferiority complex—we are all unique and possess hidden talents,” he added.

UNDIRA Vice Rector III, Mr. Hasanuddin Thoyieb, M.M., concluded the event by conveying that although AI is sometimes capable of producing works beyond human perception, with full consistency and steadfast commitment, individuals will be able to maintain their relevance and survive to develop careers in this digital landscape.