Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (UMBY) has inaugurated another new professor. Prof. Dr. Rahma Widyana, S.Psi., M.Si., a Psychologist with the Educational Psychology Branch: School Psychology. To date, UMBY has seven professors.

The event was attended by academics, leadership, and invited guests in the Seminar Room, Campus 1, UMBY, on Tuesday (April 7, 2026). Prof. Dr. Rahma Widyana, S.Psi., M.Si., a psychologist, delivered a scientific speech on a topic aligned with her expertise and field of study, entitled "Recontextualization of Career Choice Theory in Collectivistic Cultures: The Foundation of Culturally Responsive Career Guidance in Indonesian Schools."

In her scientific speech, Prof. Rahma revealed the mismatch between interests and aspirations, which remains a serious problem among high school students in Indonesia. This phenomenon is considered to have contributed to the rise in cases of choosing the wrong major in higher education, which impacts less than optimal career development in the future.

"The congruence between aspirations and interests of high school students in Indonesia is currently still in the moderate category. "Many students determine their future based not on their own potential, but rather on external factors," said Prof. Rahma.

According to her, family intervention and an orientation toward prestige are still the dominant factors influencing students' choice of major. As a result, many students do not choose a field of study based on their interests and potential. She also studied this phenomenon using John Holland's theory, which groups interests into six types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. The focus of this research was to examine the relevance of these types to the character of young people in Indonesia and to determine which type is most dominant.

"Children in Indonesia sometimes dream of something because of family desires, the pursuit of prestige, or simply social trends," she said in her professorial inauguration speech.

Rahma Widyana herself has a unique story. During high school, she was forced by her teacher to major in science, given her good grades. However, she chose to major in social studies because she was passionate about it. However, during high school, she was able to prove herself by achieving the highest final exam score at the provincial level.

"When told to major in science, "At that time, I asked my teacher, 'Who would be going to school, me or you?' In the end, I chose social studies because it aligned with my interests," he said.

That incident has been a constant reminder and a lesson for him, even becoming the subject of his ongoing academic research on the phenomenon of choosing the wrong major. This phenomenon is usually influenced by many factors, such as parents, the environment, and even mere trends.

Prof. Rahma continued, explaining that if students choose a major solely based on financial or prestige factors, the impact will be visible when they enter the workforce.

"The results will not be optimal. They may be financially successful, but lack job satisfaction because the field they are pursuing isn't their passion," he added.

Besides internal student factors, the role of parents is key in minimizing the risk of choosing the wrong major. He emphasized that parents should not be selfish in imposing their will on their children's future.

"Parents certainly have aspirations for their children, but they must also consider the child's interests. "Don't force yourself to be like 'I want you to be this', without seeing if the field is suitable for your child's character," he explained.