What is the most useful thing in life after graduation?
“During college, I learned a lot about the importance of agility, which is the ability to learn and adapt quickly. In the UGM Statistics study program, one semester can contain 7 to 8 courses, and each meeting often covers one to several chapters at once, with a very fast learning rhythm. In such a situation, I am required to have agility, which is the ability to understand new things quickly, even when the material is completely new to me.
This ability turned out to be very useful, especially when undergoing internships and entering the workforce. In the professional world, we are often faced with new projects and unexpected challenges. So, the quick learning habits that I formed during my studies made me able to adapt more easily, become a fast learner, and be ready to face the changing dynamics of work.”
What are some of the things you learned from university that are useful in the working world?
“In my opinion, studying in Statistics does not only equip technical skills, but the most valuable thing is a systematic, data-driven way of thinking, and the courage to question assumptions. In a professional world full of uncertainty and variability, I am used to dealing with problems with evidence-based approaches, data, and logic.
During my studies, I was often confronted with messy data and cases with no clear answers, so my problem solving skills were honed. This challenge is very relevant to my current job, where a statistics graduate must not only be good at calculating, but also be able to explain complex data to non-statisticians and make impactful decisions based on these insights.”
What was the most memorable non-academic experience during your studies?
“The most valuable experience during my studies at UGM was when I did an internship at TikTok Shop, a global startup company. There, I worked directly with colleagues from various countries such as China, Singapore, and Malaysia, thus gaining international exposure that greatly broadened my horizons. I learned to understand the way of thinking, work culture, and the rhythm of communication across countries that I might not get in other companies.
Because TikTok is a fast-paced and dynamic startup, I was required to be a fast learner, self-learning about internal systems, business, and tools in a short period of time in order to produce impactful output. This challenge has trained my mental resilience, so that I can always be adaptive in the face of change and high demands.”
What is your message to help new students who want to start college?“If I could go back to the beginning of college, the important message I would like to convey to myself and new students is not only to focus on pursuing grades, but pursue the ability to learn quickly and adapt. Grades are important as a form of academic responsibility, but the ability to be a fast learner and adaptive is much more needed in the world of work which is much more dynamic than classroom learning. What is most sought after is not just who memorizes formulas or has the highest GPA, but who is able to think critically, learn new things quickly, and work across contexts, both across cultures and disciplines. Failure in a task or organization is not the end of the world, but rather an early exercise to build resilience.
My TikTok internship taught me that speed of learning, resilience under pressure, and the courage to try new ideas are more important than the fear of being wrong. In addition, building a network early on is also very important because many academic and professional opportunities come not only from GPA, but from the relationships we build with lecturers, friends, and alumni. They can be mentors, collaborators, or career path-breakers in the future.”
What’s a quote that has stayed with you and encouraged you throughout your studies?
“The Older You Get, The Less You Cry.” – LANY
This quote taught me the importance of maturity in the face of failure and pressure. At first I was often frustrated and saddened by academic pressures, but I learned that life doesn’t always go as expected. Crying is natural, but the most important thing is to accept reality, learn lessons, and keep trying to find solutions. This quote always reminds me to stay calm and strong in the face of challenges, both during college and entering the professional world.