The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) invited one of its alumni, M. Ganiswara Afif Kharisma, to share insights into the entrepreneurial world with students. During an event titled Entrepreneurship Sharing Session held on Friday (22/3) at Archipelago Café, Afif recounted his experiences in learning about entrepreneurship and starting a business at a young age.
Afif shared that his interest in becoming an entrepreneur emerged during his high school years. He began experimenting with selling goods to earn extra pocket money. However, it wasn’t until his time at UGM that he delved deeper into the world of entrepreneurship. Although he did not major in a business-related field, he gained significant knowledge through student programs and networks he built on campus.
“UGM is an extraordinary university where you can meet outstanding mentors and peers anywhere. We can engage in meaningful discussions, which is crucial because entrepreneurship is all about mindset,” he explained.
Afif is the founder of Carisma Industry, a leather souvenir business he started in 2018 before completing his undergraduate degree. He currently also works as a Strategic Planner & Analyst at Sirkula Indonesia, a Content Writer at TDI Host, and a co-founder of Harumasa Portraiture.
While a UGM student, Afif was actively involved in the Student Executive Board (BEM KM) UGM and the Jogjakarta Creative Entrepreneurs community. He also participated in various programs and competitions, such as the UGM Student Entrepreneurship Program in 2017, the Islamic Sociopreneur Development Program by LAZNAS BSM UMAT from 2018 to 2020, and the Panthera National Business Plan Competition in 2019.
According to Afif, students should seize opportunities to learn from various sources and be courageous enough to take risks. “If you are interested in learning more deeply, many aspects of yourself will also grow. Your small steps are critical for the future. Another essential factor is your environment—find one that supports your growth,” he advised.
Afif’s story sparked curiosity among students, prompting them to ask numerous questions about identifying business interests and building a startup. He encouraged students to develop critical skills during college and find business ideas by observing everyday challenges around them. He also emphasized the importance of adaptability as a key asset for succeeding in the entrepreneurial world.