Indonesia
Malang, Sunday, October 30, 2022, Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, Director of Unisma Malang Postgraduate Program, stated that graduate quality at all educational levels is not measured by the Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) but rather by the quality of outcomes, specifically other competencies that reflect graduate excellence.
He made this remark to master’s and doctoral graduates during a farewell event for prospective graduates organized by the Postgraduate Program on Saturday evening. The statement by the Director, who is also the Chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association of East Java, was delivered after he presented awards to the 14 top master’s and doctoral graduates, including 10 who had achieved a 4.00 GPA.
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“While academic achievements are commendable, everyone must ensure their academic quality is in order. But that does not directly correlate with career success; it is merely the initial process,” he said.
Quoting a wise saying from Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate Albert Einstein, he noted that the true “school” (of life) begins when we leave the lecture hall, namely in the workplace or at the job site.
The Director of Postgraduate Program delivered a message about success during the graduation ceremony for postgraduate students.
This means that even a student who graduated from the best university must have their mental resilience proved in society. “Later, perseverance and character in society and in the workplace outside the campus are the true tests,” he added.
Citing Elon Musk’s remarks in an international media interview, Mas’ud agreed that, moving forward, a GPA is neither a measure of success nor a 100 percent guarantee; the key lies in the quality of graduates or the excellence of educational outcomes.
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To emerge victorious in competition, we must focus on talent and training; we must be willing to work hard, possess the ability to develop ourselves, demonstrate integrity, and be persistent in our work.
True quality lies in the standard of the product. The best products have their own market and will naturally earn trust. It is only then that one will gain money, position, and recognition. (MMS/PPS)
