Risko Nur Rizqi; M. Hakam Al Kautsar; Oktaviano Rifky Ramadhani; Ilham Albana
The dynamics of student organization structure have significant implications for talent retention and student career development. This study aims to comparatively analyze the influence of centralization and decentralization structures in the Information Technology Study Program Student Association on the effectiveness of talent retention strategies and career development capacity. The research method uses a quantitative approach with a comparative design involving 120 respondents selected through purposive sampling technique with criteria of at least one period of organizational experience. Data collection instruments use structured Likert scale questionnaires that have been tested for validity and reliability with Cronbach's Alpha values above 0.80. Data analysis uses Structural Equation Modeling and independent sample t-test to compare both structural models. The results show that the decentralization structure has a strong significant effect on talent retention with a path coefficient of 0.628 compared to centralization of 0.312. Comparative analysis identifies substantial differentiation in all dimensions of career development with the decentralization structure consistently outperforming centralization, especially in the aspect of decision-making autonomy. The findings confirm that the distribution of authority in decentralization creates a learning ecosystem that facilitates diversification of leadership experiences and strengthens students' organizational commitment through participatory empowerment mechanisms.