Best Graduate, Noviana Halim: ?The Recipe: Study Hard and Manage the Time Wisely?

Noviana Halim is one of the best graduates in the 24^th UPH Commencement Ceremony on November 2, 2013. Noviana ? graduated from Master of Management program ? obtained GPA 4.00 with the graduation predicate summa cum laude. Her thesis entitled ?Pengaruh Cash Flow Terhadap Excess Return Saham di Indonesia? (The Effect of Cash Flow towards Stock Excess Return in Indonesia) is completed under the guidance from Dr. Kim Sung Suk, a specialist lecturer on Finance at UPH Master Management Program. She admitted that, during the process of the thesis writing, she got a lot of assistance from her advisor. ?Dr. Kim really helped me in making the best possible thesis report. He encouraged me so that I did not give up easily and also corrected me without making me downhearted. I rarely meet people with such humbleness like Dr. Kim has shown to me,? Novi said.

Working as the Procurement Manager at PT Nutrifood Indonesia, Novi acknowledged that she was really in need of empirical knowledge to support her job. Because of that reason, she decided to continue her study to UPH Magister of Management Program. ?My undergraduate background is Chemical Engineering but my working field is management. So, I need empirical knowledge to maintain my performance, especially in decision making. I am very grateful that by studying at UPH, I can find the answers of my questions that were previously left unanswered,? she said.

The other reason for Noviana to take Master of Management at UPH is because of her admiration for clean and comfortable learning facilities. ?For me, these facilities are important factors because it shows the institution?s professionalism in managing their facilities. The staffs are also very friendly. Overall, ok,? Noviana said. She then continued that UPH class?s time are quite flexible ? with the option for weekend classes ? added with the location that is quite strategic had made her convinced to enroll here for the Master degree. ?Coincidentally, UPH location is quite near with my home,? Noviana said.

?The lecturers know their field very well,? expressed Novi, which made her more assured that her decision to study at UPH is the correct on. ?When I began my study in the financial major, I was shocked for a while. Because, there were a lot of things that I need to catch up. If I do not put everything I have, I will not understand the lesson and will be left behind in every class session,? said Novi who have Chemical Engineering as the background before studying Management.

When she was asked what her key of success is, she answered, ?All of these are because of God?s grace. I also experienced some difficulties in managing my time between studying, work, and family. My tip is when studying, we have to really comprehend well the material that being taught at that day. If I cannot make it to class due to business trip, I immediately study those material when I return from the trip.?

Novi further pointed out that the new UPH Master of Management system ? modul system ? in which she thought, will make the struggle become more difficult. ?This system will definitely make the students have to put their extra effort because the materials are very concentrated and continuous.?

At the end of her interview, Novi relayed her impression on her university colleague who are very supportive. ?May we all be successful in the future. I hope that with the knowledge that we have, UPH graduates can contribute more on our working fields. Keep your spirit high and good luck!? she said, ending the interview.