Career transitions across different sectors have become common in today’s workforce. One example is Devie Farnsisca, an alumna of the Economics program, class of 2004, who is now thriving in the fashion industry. She currently serves as the CEO of Batik Innovation Margaria and is also the Founder and Owner of Batik Enom.
During the event “Alumni Sharing Session: Alumni Insights from Every Corner of Industry” held at the Alumni Corner Room of FEB UGM on Monday (May 26, 2025), Devie shared her journey in building her career. She revealed that her passion for fashion began in college, where she started selling clothes. After graduating, she initially worked in the banking sector due to encouragement from her extended family. However, her deep love for fashion eventually led her back to Yogyakarta, where she founded Batik Enom in 2017.
Devie’s aim with Batik Enom is to change people’s perceptions of batik, which are often outdated and overly traditional. She introduces a variety of modern and stylish batik designs to encourage more young people to wear this cultural heritage confidently.
In her presentation, Devie emphasized that the key to getting started is courageously taking the first step rather than striving for perfection. According to her, it’s essential to be resilient and not overly perfectionist when beginning something new, as learning will naturally occur.
Also featured in the session was Achmad Syarifuddin, an Accounting alumnus from the class of 2004 who now serves as Vice President of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Skor Technology. Drawing from his experiences, Achmad highlighted the importance of self-awareness and avoiding the trap of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
He also stressed the value of sincerity and openness when interacting with others, as these qualities help build trust and leave a lasting impression. He likened the process of building trust to “emptying a glass,” with a continuous desire to learn in every new situation. He believes building connections, maintaining discipline, and recognizing one’s unique value are key elements in developing a strong and authentic personal brand.
The Alumni Sharing Session aimed to provide active students and fresh graduates with broader insights into various career opportunities pursued by FEB UGM alumni while fostering their readiness to enter the professional world. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Report by: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
