Adolescents are the pillar of the future of the nation which is currently facing the dynamic working world ridden with uncertainty. With the rapid development of technology, the ability to adapt to change becomes crucial. To deal with this, the Riset Kesehatan Mental Komunitas (Community Mental Health Research) Group of the Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) of Universitas Indonesia held training for Career Adaptability skill in SMP Negeri 4 Muncar Satu Atap, Banyuwangi, in July 2024.
This program was supported by funding from a community service and empowerment grant by the Directorate of Community Service and Empowerment (DPPM) UI with the aim to help adolescents build skills to prepare themselves for career challenges in the future and develop themselves as a whole.
In an era marked by rapid change, it is important for individuals to develop their career adaptability skills or the skill to adjust themselves with change in the work environment. Career adaptability itself can include planning, decision-making, the initiative to explore, and confidence in problem-solving. Individuals with these skills will be more prepared to face the various dynamics of the working world.
The first step to building career adaptability is by developing two main aspects, which are career concern and career control. Career concern is the care and interest someone has in the future of their career where they tend to think and plan seriously for it. Meanwhile, career control is someone’s ability to manage and make decisions that will influence their career path.
Adolescents in Banyuwangi were invited to prepare themselves to improve their career concern and career control well, including getting to know themselves, setting a short-term goal, practice making decisions, and exploring their personal interest. This experience can help in understanding preference and the personal skill of adolescents.
This training is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Quality Education, focusing on relevant skill development for every individual to earn decent jobs. Not only that, this community service was held in line with UI’s mission to provide inclusive education for every community. With competent career adaptability skills, adolescents in Banyuwangi are hoped to become part of a highly competitive generation, ready to contribute to sustainability development in their areas.
“Career empowerment of middle school students plays an important role in building a strong psychological foundation. Aligning with the principle, ‘No health without mental health,’ appropriate career guidance from an early age not only helps students understand their potential and their life direction, but also supports good mental health,” said Sherly Saragih Turnip, S.Psi., M.Phil., Ph.D., Psychologist as team leader of the community service with team members consisting of Aulia Rizka Fadilla, Danishara Raputri Priyono, Farizka Akhena Helmy, Fidelya Amrina, Jolin Charis Zeng, and Naila Meisyifa Aqila.
