ANALISIS TINGKAT KOMPETENSI MAHASISWA DALAM MENGHADAPI DUNIA KERJA (STUDI PADA MAHASISWA SEMESTER AKHIR DI UNIVERSITAS HKBP NOMENSEN MEDAN)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the competency level of final-year students at Universitas HKBP Nommensen Medan in facing the world of work, as competency is a crucial factor encompassing academic knowledge, technical and non-technical skills, and professional work attitudes. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with subjects selected purposively, namely final-year students. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation studies, then analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing using source and technique triangulation to ensure data validity. The findings indicate that students’ competency levels are in the fairly good category; in terms of knowledge, students possess adequate theoretical foundations but still require improvement in practical application, in terms of skills, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and presentation abilities are fairly well developed, especially among students active in student organizations, and in terms of work attitude, students generally demonstrate motivation and responsibility, although some still lack confidence and work experience. It can be concluded that students’ competencies support their work readiness, but further improvement is needed through practical experience, work-readiness training, and industry-based learning to better align competencies with workplace demands.