She once dreamed of becoming a doctor, but life led Giacinta Betralda Anin Pradita (Accounting 2021) tƒo discover her true passion in accounting. Studying accounting at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), UGM paved the way for Anin to achieve outstanding academic results. She graduated with a remarkable cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.85, earning cum laude honors at the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year last February.
Anin has pursued her journey as a FEB UGM student with unwavering determination. Coming from a science background in high school, she was initially reluctant to apply to FEB UGM through the SNMPTN pathway due to the intense competition. However, at the last moment, her father encouraged her to submit her application to the faculty.
“I first wanted to apply to another university, but my father insisted I apply to FEB UGM. He said that if I didn’t get in, I could still try other options,” recalls the 2021 Accounting graduate.
Getting into FEB UGM did not mean Anin’s journey was always smooth. One of the most memorable moments in her life was when she had to pay her first tuition fee (UKT) when her family faced financial difficulties. Her parents even had to sell their motorcycle to support her education.
“My parents always prioritized education and emphasized that it was the key to changing one’s destiny,” she said.
Her parents’ advice strengthened Anin’s resolve to continue her education. She worked hard and successfully secured the Indonesian Education Scholarship (Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia), which helped ease her financial burden and allowed her to focus on her studies.
Anin made the most of the opportunities available to her. In addition to excelling academically, she actively participated in competitions. Accustomed to competition since junior high school, she always dreamed of seeing her name recognized for academic achievement, which continued to motivate her throughout college. Her most outstanding achievement was winning 2nd place in the Gadjah Mada Business Case Competition (GAMABCC) 2024, a prestigious international business competition.
The daughter of Ranto Halasan Simbolon and Laurentia Cilvia, Dwi Pratanti became even more passionate about finance. She actively participated in the Business Laboratory UGM, an organization that trains students for the National Business and Management Competition (KBMK). In addition, she was involved in various student organizations where she held roles such as treasurer and fundraising coordinator – positions that further honed her financial skills.
Beyond academics and student organizations, Anin also gained entrepreneurial experience. She participated in a business development project that created an educational card game called Cleocard, which won the National Student Science Week (PIMNAS) in 2022.
“I had never run a business before, but through this project, I learned how to handle finances, production, and marketing strategies,” she explained.
Anin also participated in various internships, gaining experience in government agencies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and private companies. These experiences have broadened her insights and better prepared her for professional challenges. She is currently interning as an auditor at one of the Big Four firms, PwC, where she is working on three different clients with different teams.
Anin considers herself fortunate to have studied at FEB UGM. She believes that the values of the faculty have shaped her into a more mature individual. She particularly appreciates FEB UGM’s emphasis on objectivity and equality, which fosters mutual respect among students regardless of their backgrounds.
“Being in a diverse environment has taught me how to adapt and build meaningful relationships,” she said.
At the end of the interview, Anin shared some advice for students still striving to complete their education. She emphasized three key principles for success: effective time management, strong determination, and perseverance. Finally, she stressed the importance of gratitude, which helps individuals face challenges calmly and positively.
Report by: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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