Universitas Gadjah Mada
Faculty of Economics and Business

An inspiring story emerged during the graduation ceremony at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Among the 3,627 graduates of UGM's undergraduate and applied undergraduate programs, several students graduated with an almost perfect GPA. One of them is Shalsadilla Nadya Prameswary (21), a student of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in the Management Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Gadjah Mada University (FEB UGM). She graduated with a GPA of 3.93 and was named the best graduate of FEB UGM for the fourth academic period, 2023/2024, during the graduation ceremony on August 28, 2024.

Completed Her Undergraduate Degree in 3 Years and 10 Months

Shalsa completed her undergraduate studies in 3 years, 10 months, and 10 days, to be exact. This achievement is a proud accomplishment amid her busy academic schedule, which she managed through a dual degree program at FEB UGM and the University of Groningen, majoring in International Business.

Despite this, Shalsa remained actively involved in various non-academic activities such as the Management Student Family Association (IKAMMA) FEB UGM, the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) at UGM, and the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Groningen. She even interned at Nike European Headquarters, Netherlands, and 180 Degrees Consulting UGM and volunteered for various student activities on campus.

"Aside from knowledge, the best thing I have gained from college is friends, community, and networking. I always prioritize academics, but I don't neglect extracurricular activities such as organizations, events, and competitions," she said when contacted on Tuesday (September 3).

Shalsa's Study Methods

Despite her busy schedule, Shalsa still prioritizes her studies. She emphasizes efficient study. Shalsa revealed that her success must be balanced with the study principles she follows.

"My main principle in studying is that it must be efficient. This means that the effort and time spent studying should be purposeful," Shalsa explained.

So, how does one study efficiently? Shalsa explained that the first step is identifying your learning style. Whether the appropriate method is self-study, group study, extensive reading, or listening will vary from person to person. Next, at the beginning of the semester, try to understand the difficulty level of each course you are taking. Then, participate actively in class, and feel free to ask questions if you need help understanding what the instructor is explaining.

Once Struggling with Confidence

During her college years, Shalsa mentioned that she once struggled to gain the confidence to speak up and ask questions in class. However, she was able to overcome her self-doubt. "I believe that dedication, resilience, and my family's support in my studies strengthened me during my college journey," she explained.

With strong determination, Shalsa successfully overcame her lack of confidence. This is evidenced by her winning various awards such as Awardee Consulting Fellowship Program by McKinsey (2024), Awardee NUS Business School Summer Program (2024), 1st Winner Ganesha Business Festival International Mini Case Competition (2023), 2nd Runner Up IESC Summit Business Case Competition (2022) and 1st Winner Mini Case Challenge Branding Competition (2022).

Shalsa admits that her current success is also inextricably linked to the values that FEB UGM instilled, one of which is academic freedom. This value of academic freedom has encouraged her to keep exploring.

"This point supports me in continuing to explore and be curious. Curiosity about something new is important because I believe it serves as the first gateway to learning," Shalsa said, adding that FEB UGM also provides space for its students to create and grow together.

Reportage: Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Sustainable Development Goals