The aspiration to fulfill her dream of becoming a researcher in development economics and public policy motivated Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) alumna, Sylvia Febiandita, to pursue further studies at the master’s and doctoral levels after being awarded the prestigious Arryman Scholarship. For Sylvia, the scholarship is not merely an opportunity to continue her studies but also a gateway to building her career as a researcher.
Sylvia graduated as the top student of the Economics Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) in 2022. She recently completed her master’s degree in Development Economics at SOAS University of London and is now preparing to continue to the doctoral level.
Her success in pursuing further studies abroad, she admitted, was inseparable from her three years of experience as a research assistant at various institutions, including the Economics and Business Research and Development Unit (P2EB) at FEB UGM, the Ministry of National Development Planning, and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta.
These experiences broadened her perspective on the importance of a strong theoretical and methodological foundation.
“Therefore, I strengthened my resolve to pursue postgraduate studies to complement the insights I gained during my undergraduate years,” she said on Tuesday (Sep. 9).
Receiving the Arryman Scholarship was an extraordinary milestone for Sylvia. She noted that the scholarship was particularly special because it enables her to pursue both master’s and doctoral studies in economics.
Beyond covering tuition fees, the scholarship also provides living expenses and health insurance.
She expressed her gratitude, emphasizing how the scholarship opens opportunities to expand her academic network and engage in interdisciplinary discussions.
“Recipients of this scholarship come from diverse fields of social sciences, and interestingly, they also have the opportunity to undertake a postdoctoral fellowship at one of the Institutes for Advanced Study (IFAR) after completing their studies,” Sylvia explained.
Sylvia’s journey toward the Arryman Scholarship was a long and meaningful process. During her undergraduate years, she had already earned several prestigious scholarships, including the GenBI Bank Indonesia scholarship, the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) to the University of Pennsylvania, and the Young Leaders for Indonesia award from McKinsey & Company.
However, her pursuit of postgraduate scholarships was not without challenges, as she faced rejection from two programs prior to receiving the Arryman Scholarship.
“I was rejected by two postgraduate scholarships, even though I had already been accepted by several programs in the United States and the United Kingdom. That process taught me to continuously refine my goals for postgraduate study and carefully plan the steps I wanted to take moving forward,” she shared.
She also revealed several challenges she encountered during the scholarship application process, ranging from essay writing to program selection.
According to her, these aspects are crucial and should not be underestimated since not all education costs can be fully covered by a scholarship.
The failures she faced became valuable lessons, prompting her to prepare more thoroughly when applying for the Arryman Scholarship. This included drafting a strong essay, updating her IELTS score, and applying to SOAS University of London.
Sharing her tips for prospective applicants, Sylvia advised that in addition to careful planning, candidates should read extensively in their chosen field to strengthen their research plans.
She also highlighted the importance of staying open to new insights, as the Arryman Scholarship supports both master’s and doctoral studies.
“Equally important is maintaining physical and mental health since the application process is lengthy. It is fine to take short breaks along the way, as long as you return stronger. The journey is long, and feeling tired is a natural consequence. Give yourself time to rest, while also prioritizing your well-being,” she advised.
Now ready to embark on her next academic journey, Sylvia expressed her gratitude for her experiences at FEB UGM, particularly in econometrics and research, which prepared her well.
She also credited her involvement in Student Publishing and Press Agency at FEB UGM (BPPM EQUILIBRIUM), the Economics Student Association at FEB UGM (Himiespa), and the IISMA program at the University of Pennsylvania for broadening her academic perspective and international network.
“The values of integrity, professionalism, objectivity, and social responsibility instilled at FEB UGM remain my guiding principles in pursuing the long path of becoming a researcher. FEB UGM has truly shaped me into an aspiring researcher who upholds both integrity and social justice,” Sylvia concluded.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Sylvia Febiandita