The Animal Production Study Program at Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) has partnered with the Jember Regency Food Security, Livestock, and Fisheries Office to provide intensive pre-internship training for students. The program is designed to strengthen students' mental readiness, technical competencies, and professional attitudes before they begin a one-semester industrial internship, equivalent to 20 academic credits (20 SKS).

The internship preparation program emphasizes that success in the workplace depends not only on technical knowledge but also on personal character and professional behavior. During the internship, students will gain direct industry experience while developing both hard skills related to livestock production and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.

During the training session, Budi Santoso, Head of the Livestock Breeding and Forage Unit at the Jember Livestock Office, highlighted the importance of discipline and ethics in the modern livestock industry. He explained that employers increasingly assess graduates based on their work ethic, communication skills, and professional conduct, in addition to their technical capabilities. According to him, these qualities are essential for building successful careers in the highly competitive agricultural sector.

Dr. Budi Utomo, Internship Coordinator, explained that comprehensive preparation is essential before students enter industrial workplaces. The orientation program includes mental preparation, physical readiness, and a review of core academic competencies to ensure that students are confident and capable of adapting to professional working environments throughout their internship period.

Meanwhile, Rizki Amalia Nurfitriani, Coordinator of the Animal Production Study Program, emphasized that collaboration with the Jember Livestock Office provides valuable insights into the realities of the livestock industry. The partnership helps students understand current workplace expectations while strengthening cooperation in livestock management practices and competency development. The collaboration also supports curriculum enhancement by ensuring that graduate competencies remain aligned with industry needs.

The initiative reflects POLIJE's commitment to industry-oriented vocational education, where experiential learning plays a central role in preparing students for professional careers. Through structured internships and close collaboration with government agencies and industry partners, students are able to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world workplace demands.

For students, the internship program provides an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in livestock production while developing professional attitudes that will support their long-term career success. By combining technical training with character development, POLIJE ensures that graduates are not only competent in animal production technologies but also equipped with the integrity, discipline, and interpersonal skills expected by employers.

Through its partnership with the Jember Regency Food Security, Livestock, and Fisheries Office, POLIJE continues to strengthen the quality of vocational education by integrating academic preparation with industry expectations. The initiative demonstrates the university's commitment to producing highly skilled, ethical, and industry-ready graduates who are prepared to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia's livestock sector and sustainable agricultural development.