Fifth-semester students of the Tourism Marketing Management (Manajemen Pemasaran Pariwisata/MPP) Study Program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) participated in an On-the-Job Training (OJT) briefing seminar on Monday, September 21, 2026. Held at the FPIPS UPI Auditorium, the seminar featured Mr. Rijal Khairani, a Student Affairs Lecturer, as the speaker who provided students with guidance and preparation before undertaking their OJT in the tourism industry.
The seminar served as an important preparation stage for fifth-semester students as they get ready to gain direct work experience in the industry. During the session, students gained an understanding of the aspects they need to prepare before undertaking their OJT, including the objectives and expected outcomes throughout the program. One of the main topics discussed was the selection of companies as OJT placements. Students were encouraged to consider several important aspects, including the company’s relevance to Tourism Marketing Management competencies, its work environment, the types of responsibilities offered, and the opportunities available for students to gain relevant experience and develop skills in the tourism sector. Therefore, selecting an OJT placement is expected to go beyond considering a company’s popularity and instead focus on the quality of learning and professional experience that students can gain.
In addition to technical preparation, the seminar also highlighted the importance of developing the qualities of a responsible tourism professional. During their OJT, students are expected to demonstrate professionalism through discipline, responsibility, effective communication, adaptability, and respect for colleagues and the workplace. These qualities are essential as students not only represent themselves but also carry the name of their educational institution while working in the industry.
OJT also provides students with an opportunity to connect the knowledge gained through their academic studies with real-world situations. Through direct industry experience, students can gain a better understanding of how tourism businesses operate, recognize challenges in the workplace, and develop the skills required in a professional environment.
The implementation of OJT also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through direct learning experiences in the industry, OJT supports education that is more closely aligned with the needs of the workplace while helping students develop the competencies required to enter the professional world. This experience is expected to contribute to the development of tourism professionals equipped with knowledge, skills, and strong professional ethics.
Through this briefing, fifth-semester MPP UPI students are expected to be better prepared to select their OJT placements, understand the learning outcomes they should achieve, and carry out their training with professionalism. Ultimately, OJT is expected to serve not only as part of the academic process but also as a valuable experience that strengthens students’ readiness to contribute to the tourism industry after completing their studies.
Author: Melissa Siti Fauziah