In August 2021, several companies opened so many opportunities for students to try one of the newest programs held by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, called Magang Merdeka (Independent Internship).

Many students welcome this opportunity and do their best to get the chance for their dream company. Most of the students are in generation Z. As we know, all the technology they got while they were grown-up makes this generation unique. So, what about we read more about the specific information of Gen Z? and how they feel about this program? Let's read more!

Let’s Get to Know Kampus Merdeka!

Merdeka Campus is a part of the Merdeka Learning Policy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. Which offers students the opportunity to practice their skills according to their talents and interests by entering the world of work based on what company's actual problem.

From Kampus Merdeka, Kalbe Consumer Health joined as one of many companies willing to open internships that every student (especially Gen Z) can try. The opportunity is not that easy to get. Candidates must pass multiple tests to give and get the chance.

Several new interns have already joined KCH on KCH Kampus Merdeka Internship batch one from the many requirements and steps that the candidate must go through. All of them are Gen Z, with all the behavior different from the previous generation. What are the differences?

What do We Know About Generation Z (Gen Z)?

Generation Z is such a unique generation. All the technology they have while they grow up makes their minds more racially than the previous generation. Generation Z members are also more ethnically diverse than any previous generation and are on their way to becoming the most educated generation.

A survey-based study shows four fundamental behaviors of Generation Z, all of which are rooted in one element: this generation's search for truth. They strongly believe in the effectiveness of dialogue in resolving conflicts and making the world a better place (Pewsearch, 2020). After all, they make decisions and relate to institutions very analytically and pragmatically. So for us, Gen Z is "true Gen."

The older generation, the Millennials, sometimes called "Generation Me," began in an era of economic prosperity and are self-centered. They are more romantic, more confrontational, and less willing to accept different points of view. These behaviors affect how Gen Z members view consumption and their relationship with the brand.

Companies should be aware of three implications for this generation: consumption as access instead of possession, consumption as an expression of individual identity, and consumption as an ethical question. Along with advances in technology, this generational shift is transforming the consumer landscape in a way that pervades all socio-economic strata (McKinsey, 2018).

It all goes beyond Generation Z and pervades the entire demographic pyramid. The opportunities that arise for companies are as transformative as they are challenging. Rethink how they add value to the consumer, re-balance the balance between scale and mass production versus customization, and practice more than ever what they preach in addressing marketing and work ethic issues.

Kampus Merdeka and Gen Z

After we talk about Kampus Merdeka and the characteristics of Gen Z, does this program fit with Gen Z? As we mentioned before, they love to resolve some conflicts. They like to challenge themselves with anything. This program works well with Gen Z's behavior.

Besides, from the data, it's time for Gen Z to start taking control of the main position, and that's why allowing them to really feel what it's like in the professional world is important. By giving Generation Z this opportunity, the company will also gain another perspective from another generation and control them.

Generation Z often receives a lot of criticism, particularly regarding their work ethic. They are more likely to do hustle culture and overwork. This can mean two for the company. One, they will get high productivity from it, but on the other side, the company should prepare a health facility for it. No one can stop them. It's like they have it naturally with all their ambition.

Through this Magang Merdeka, Kalbe Consumer Health is ready and open to any differences that Gen Z will give in their workplace. In return, they feel like working in a large company, and they also provide Gen Z with everything that interns need to develop their skills to achieve their ambitions. However, let's find out what they think about this.

What Did They Think?

Kampus merdeka is a good opportunity for gen z. They get so many benefits from doing an internship in Kalbe Consumer Health, from merchandise whenever there is a brand activity or internal event, monthly allowance, and new experience that they can't get from another place. Let's hear some of their opinions on this program.

" Hi all, my name is Alifia Berizky. I think the Kampus Merdeka opportunity is an excellent program. Through this opportunity at KCH, I learned a lot of new things. I feel like my skill is improving, and KCH provides anything I need here. Feel thank you for this :)."

-Alifia Berizky, Engagement, and Culture Intern

"Hello, my name is Elyona. As a generation Z, this program helped me to develop myself. I feel how the professional world works and down on the company's actual problem. It helps me to manage my workflow, and it's a new experience that I am grateful I got."

-Elyona Arasy, Content Creator Intern

"Hey, I'm Muthia. I am pleased to get the opportunity here. I have new friends to know that are similar to my career interest. Also, many things I learn that I can also implement in my work. It's a wonderful opportunity."

-Muthia Nida, Engagement and Culture Intern

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Kalbe Consumer Health provides their intern with the actual problems of their company. Although there are some real problems the intern should handle, they also provide them with mentorship, some classes, and a health facility. KCH did its best to make it a place for them to improve and learn.

From what we heard, they really enjoy and think that this program is developed themself from many aspects. So, wow, what do you think?