The first day of school after the semester break was different at SMAN 20 Surabaya. Hundreds of 12th-grade students gathered in the school auditorium to receive personal branding training from the Faculty Team of Universitas Hayam Wuruk Perbanas.

Dr. Dra. Nur Suci Mei Murni, Ak., M.M., CA., the Head of the UHW Perbanas Faculty Team, emphasized the importance of personal branding for students’ independence in facing the challenges of globalization and technological advancement. She highlighted the need to instill independence early, especially as these students are about to graduate.

“They are about to enter the next phase, whether it’s joining the workforce or continuing to higher education. This material can serve as a provision for them to face their next stage in life,” she explained during the event titled Personal Branding Training to Become Prima (Independent and Courteous Individuals) Through Mind-Set Development for SMAN 20 Surabaya Students, held in person on Monday (6/1).

In addition to personal branding, Nur Suci also emphasized the importance of etiquette in social interactions and communication. This was paired with time management training to help students better plan for themselves.

“Nowadays, smartphones can often distract students. Therefore, we also trained them in time management through engaging games prepared by our team,” she added.

Moving forward, the team hopes the students will make good use of their time to build personal branding. “There’s a time gap before they enter college, as there will be tests or selection processes. We hope they don’t waste this time but instead carefully reflect on themselves to build strong personal branding,” she encouraged.

Alya Eidelweiss M.S., a student of SMAN 20 Surabaya, expressed that the personal branding material was highly important as it helps others recognize her unique identity. After the session, the hijab-wearing student from Bendul Merisi, Wonocolo, Surabaya, planned to adopt a growth mindset and avoid stagnation, aiming for personal development in the future.

“I hope this seminar helps me and my friends understand ourselves better and build our own personal branding,” shared the 12th-grade student from class XII-2. (pr/eko)