BANDUNG — Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) recently hosted Kuliah Bola Volume 2, an educational seminar designed to expose university students to the vast spectrum of career opportunities within the modern football industry. Organized by the independent media community Kawanbola.id, the event was held at the Achmad Sanusi Hall, UPI, on Thursday (29/10).
The workshop sought to broaden students' perspectives beyond active athletic roles, shedding light on vital off-pitch professions such as club management, sports journalism, media production, coaching, and event operations.
Feggy Nurdiyansah, CEO of Kawanbola.id, highlighted that the initiative directly addresses youth employment challenges by raising awareness of non-traditional career options that remain largely unexplored by university graduates. He emphasized that the football ecosystem requires a multidisciplinary workforce, creating ample room for talent from diverse academic backgrounds.
"The primary motivation behind this event is addressing employment opportunities," Feggy stated. "We wanted to create a collaborative space featuring competent industry professionals who can share real-world insights. Football is far more than just what happens on the pitch during 90 minutes; it is a expanding economic and creative ecosystem that welcomes expertise from non-sports majors as well."
The initiative received high praise from the Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Partnership (Wakil Dekan Bidang Kemahasiswaan dan Kemitraan) at the Faculty of Social Sciences Education, Bagja Waluya. He noted that bridging academic knowledge with practical industry demands is essential in preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic job market.
Bagja added that direct engagement with experienced practitioners provides students with a realistic blueprint of professional expectations, necessary skill sets, and career growth potential.
"Connecting higher education institutions with real-world industry needs serves as a vital foundation for our students' future readiness," Bagja remarked. "Understanding the diversity of professions within the sports industry equips students with competitive insights as they transition into the workforce after completing their degree."
Through Kuliah Bola Volume 2, Kawanbola.id and UPI hope to empower young talent to recognize the sports industry not only as a passion or form of entertainment, but as a viable, sustainable domain for professional growth and economic contribution.
Written by Hasbi (CSA '26)