17 Desember 2024

Summary

In this insightful interview, a professor shares their academic journey, discussing the challenges, strategies, and motivations that led them to success. They reflect on the importance of perseverance, the competitive nature of academic roles, and the balance between personal life and career. The professor highlights the value of writing, research, and networking for aspiring academics. They also stress the significance of discipline, both in academic pursuits and personal growth, offering practical advice to students on how to prepare for a career in academia and overcome obstacles with determination and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting as a lecturer requires dedication and a strong academic foundation, with the added need for further qualifications like a master's degree.
• 😀 Obtaining scholarships, such as the LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan), is crucial for funding further education, especially for those unable to afford tuition.
• 😀 As a lecturer, it's essential to set academic targets each semester, such as publishing at least two scientific papers, to contribute to the academic field.
• 😀 Time management is key to balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties. Teaching takes priority, followed by research and community service.
• 😀 The main motivation for pursuing a career in academia is a desire to spread knowledge, with the ultimate goal of benefiting society.
• 😀 Aspiring lecturers should focus on building both academic knowledge in their field and general competencies like mathematics and logical reasoning.
• 😀 Mental preparation is necessary for the intense competition in academia, especially when applying for positions with many strong candidates.
• 😀 Facing challenges and occasional setbacks is a part of the process. The key is to persevere, learn from failures, and continue striving for your goal.
• 😀 Family life is important but must be balanced with career ambitions. Sometimes, professional commitments require sacrifices, but family should always be prioritized.
• 😀 Hobbies, such as collecting and selling items related to personal interests, can help alleviate stress and provide an escape from the pressures of professional life.
• 😀 Building a strong professional network during university years can pay off later, as connections often open doors for career advancement in academia.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge the interviewee faced when aspiring to become a lecturer?

The interviewee initially faced the challenge of realizing that a master's degree (S2) was required to become a lecturer, which was not clear when they started their undergraduate studies. They also encountered a financial obstacle, as the cost of pursuing a master's program was high. However, they overcame this challenge by applying for a scholarship, specifically the LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan), which provided funding for their studies.

What strategy does the interviewee follow to maintain academic performance as a lecturer?

The interviewee emphasizes the importance of setting academic goals each semester. As a lecturer, they aim to publish at least two scientific papers each semester. This strategy ensures that they consistently engage in academic research and contribute to the scientific community.

How does the interviewee manage time between teaching, research, and other responsibilities?

The interviewee prioritizes teaching, as it provides the foundation for their research. Ideas for research often arise from teaching, so they balance their time by focusing on teaching first, followed by research, and then community service (dedication). This approach aligns with the Tri Dharma of higher education: education, research, and community service.

What is the interviewee’s primary motivation in their career?

The interviewee’s primary motivation is to serve God through their work, specifically through the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. They view education as a way to develop and spread knowledge to others, which aligns with their core life goal of contributing positively to society.

What advice does the interviewee give to those aspiring to become lecturers?

The interviewee advises aspiring lecturers to focus on two key areas: mastering academic knowledge in their chosen field and improving their general knowledge through tests like the TPA (Test Potensi Akademik), which includes English proficiency, mathematics, and logic. Additionally, they recommend preparing for competitive exams, as becoming a lecturer often involves passing rigorous selection processes.

What challenges did the interviewee face during their career journey, and how did they overcome them?

One significant challenge the interviewee faced was the mental preparation required to compete for a lecturer position, especially when the competition was intense, with hundreds of candidates vying for a single position. The interviewee also experienced moments of discouragement, particularly when they ranked third in a selection process. However, they persevered, focusing on their strengths and competing with determination.

How does the interviewee maintain consistency and motivation in their career?

The interviewee maintains motivation by approaching each opportunity as if it were their last. This mindset, coupled with a realistic view that not every attempt will be successful, keeps them focused and driven. They also reflect on their past challenges, which strengthens their resolve to continue working hard, especially when facing setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does the interviewee balance work and family life?

The interviewee emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while also recognizing the necessity of building a strong career to support a family financially and socially. They believe that, while family should always come first, sometimes career demands may require sacrifices, including being away from family to serve the country.

How does the interviewee deal with stress and professional pressures?

The interviewee manages stress by engaging in hobbies, which serve as an escape from the pressures of work. They believe that having a passion outside of work helps recharge their energy and gives them a fresh perspective, making it easier to cope with work-related stress.

What role does professional networking play in the interviewee’s career success?

The interviewee views professional networking as crucial for career success. They believe that building connections, especially during university years, pays off later in life, as these networks can help open doors and provide opportunities in both academic and professional settings.