POLIJE ENCOURAGES STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH AGRIBUSINESS PRODUCT EXHIBITION

Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), through its Agribusiness Management Department (MNA), recently organized a Project-Based Learning (PBL) product exhibition aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. The event served as a platform for students to showcase innovative products developed during their academic projects, emphasizing the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical business applications.

The exhibition featured a diverse array of student-created products, ranging from processed agricultural goods to eco-friendly packaging solutions. Each product reflected the students’ ability to identify market needs and develop viable business models, demonstrating their readiness to enter the entrepreneurial landscape.

Faculty members and industry partners attended the event, providing valuable feedback and insights to the participating students. This interaction aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business practices, enhancing the students’ understanding of market dynamics and consumer preferences.

The PBL approach adopted by Polije emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage in hands-on projects that mirror real-life challenges. By involving students in the entire product development cycle—from ideation to marketing—the program cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills essential for successful entrepreneurship.

In addition to product development, the exhibition included presentations where students articulated their business strategies, target markets, and sustainability plans. These presentations allowed students to practice pitching their ideas, a crucial skill for attracting investors and stakeholders in the business world.

The success of the exhibition underscores Polije’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to drive innovation and economic growth. By embedding entrepreneurship into the curriculum, Polije aims to empower students to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Looking ahead, the Agribusiness Management Department plans to expand the scope of the PBL program, incorporating more interdisciplinary projects and collaborations with industry partners. Such initiatives are expected to further enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university, preparing students to tackle complex challenges in the agribusiness sector and beyond. (rda)