Technology Degrees Seen as Education Investment for AI Era in Indonesia

The accelerating pace of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation is fundamentally altering the global job landscape. In this dynamic environment, pursuing technology-based university programs is becoming a critical strategy for young people aiming to secure future careers.

Industries worldwide are experiencing a growing demand for digital talent across various sectors, including data and AI, digital marketing, software and IT, cybersecurity, and financial technology. Companies are shifting their recruitment focus, increasingly valuing practical, hands-on skills alongside academic achievements. "Companies today look not only at diplomas or academic scores but also at the practical abilities of potential employees," stated Ibnu Alfarobi, Head of Cyber University. "Therefore, students need to be equipped with industry-relevant skills from an early stage."

“

Companies today look not only at diplomas or academic scores but also at the practical abilities of potential employees. Therefore, students need to be equipped with industry-relevant skills from an early stage.

Alfarobi emphasized that technology-focused education is more than just formal schooling; it represents a long-term investment in an individual's readiness for the future world of work. These programs typically offer curricula closely aligned with industry needs, incorporating project-based learning that allows students to tackle real-world problems. This hands-on experience is invaluable preparation for a competitive and rapidly changing job market.

Key technology fields expected to remain in high demand for the next one to two decades include Information Systems, Data Science and AI, Digital Business, Financial Technology, and Information Systems and Technology with a focus on data protection and digital systems. However, Alfarobi noted that student success also depends on the university's ability to foster a supportive learning ecosystem. "Campuses need to provide industry-based curricula, flexible learning, internship opportunities, and collaborations with the business world so that students have relevant experience before graduating," he said. Cyber University, for instance, implements an integrated educational model with its Company Learning Program (CLP) 3+1, combining three years of study with one year of industry internship.

“

Campuses need to provide industry-based curricula, flexible learning, internship opportunities, and collaborations with the business world so that students have relevant experience before graduating.