Keeping the spirit and never giving up is the key to success for Vania Belinda. This principle successfully led to the Accounting student of the International Undergraduate Program, Class of 2021, being named the Best Graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), at the Graduation Ceremony for Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Programs, Period III, Academic Year 2024/2025. Vania graduated with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA), namely 3.89, with 3 years, 4 months, and 29 days of study.
As the eldest of three children of Franki Winata and Jelita, Vania has been raised to live independently, take responsibility, and value education from an early age. These values laid a strong foundation for her academic journey at UGM, culminating in her achievement as the best graduate at FEB UGM.
Vania chose to study at UGM because of the appeal of history, atmosphere, and noble values held by this campus. In addition, UGM is also a leading educational institution in Indonesia, which convinced her to study at FEB UGM. She also likes Yogyakarta, which is known as a quiet and inclusive student city.
“Studying at FEB UGM is an opportunity to develop holistically, not only as an accounting student but also as an individual better prepared for the world of work and social life,” said the girl from Jakarta.
Tips for College Success
In undergoing lectures, Vania is accustomed to completing assignments on lecture days, even installments of the following week’s assignments, so she can rest on weekends. During college, Vania was active on the Student Executive Board (BEM FEB UGM) and the Gadjah Mada Accounting Days committee. To balance the two, Vania explained that time management is the key for her to remain productive. She also consistently prioritizes weekly and evaluates her schedule regularly to stay efficient.
She always gets used to discussing in class to maximize understanding and grades. Meanwhile, when it comes to exams, she always makes a study schedule in advance so that she can understand the material gradually and deeply. For her, consistency and discipline are the keys to excelling academically and being active non-academically.
However, her college journey was not always smooth. Vania admits that she has also experienced failures and difficulties. Despite disappointment, Vania has always believed that failure is natural when learning. Failure is a reminder that there is always room to grow and grow even stronger.
Vania said there is no need to feel left behind because everyone has their own time. It’s okay if the journey feels hard or slow because the most important thing is to keep going, no matter how small the step is.
“One day, you will look back on this journey with pride because you didn’t give up. And when that time comes, all your struggles will be worth it,” she said.
Vania successfully graduated by submitting a thesis entitled “Key Audit Matters in State-Owned Construction Companies (BUMN Karya): Analysis of Audit Areas and Procedures to Improve Financial Transparency and Reporting Compliance,” with supervisor Suyanto, S.E., M.B.A., Ph.D. She chose this topic because she was interested in the challenges faced by BUMN Karya in terms of transparency and accountability of financial statements. This research focuses on the disclosure of Key Audit Matters (KAM) in the 2022 and 2023 audit reports. She also hopes that the results of her research can make a real contribution to improving audit quality and financial governance in the public sector.
Valuable Experience During College
Vania participated in a summer course at Seoul National University, South Korea. During her two months there, she not only learned academically but also made many new friends who supported each other and other valuable experiences. In addition, she also had an internship at Pertamina International EP, which further enriched her understanding of international work standards and business processes, as well as the application of campus theory in the real world.
The Community Service Program (KKN) in Gunungkidul was also a meaningful experience in her journey. There, she learned to blend in with the community, met friends from various majors, and felt a warm closeness. Through KKN, she realized that growth is about achievement and the process, experience, and relationships built along the way.
Moreover, her success was essential to her friends, lecturers, and family support. Although she once felt tired and wanted to give up, their trust made her strong enough to keep going.
“With them, every second of this journey is meaningful. They are not just part of my story at UGM. They are my home and the love that accompanies my every step,” she said.
Looking ahead, Vania plans to start a career in risk management and consulting, which appeals to her because it combines analysis, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making. She wants to contribute to helping companies manage risks effectively and provide solutions based on data and sound business judgment.
Report by: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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