Achieving a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) is a source of great pride for any graduate. Yulistika Rahayu (40), a Master of Management Programme student at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UGM’s Jakarta Campus, also felt this accomplishment. She earned a perfect 4.00 GPA in 1 year, 9 months, and 9 days. She was named the Best Graduate of FEB UGM at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony, Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
Affectionately known as Tika, she expressed both happiness and pride in achieving the highest GPA and being recognized as the best graduate at this graduation ceremony. This achievement was the result of a challenging journey throughout her studies at FEB UGM. With an undergraduate background in Industrial Engineering, Tika decided to return to academia by enrolling in the Master of Management (MM) Program at FEB UGM Jakarta Campus.
“My decision to pursue further studies was driven by a desire to focus on self-development. To stay up to date with the professional world of today, I knew I had to update my critical thinking and leadership skills,” said the Senior Account Manager at PT Telkom Indonesia.
This motivation also led Tika to choose the Master of Management Program at FEB UGM as her academic destination. FEB UGM is widely recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading business schools, with a strong academic reputation and international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
After officially becoming a student in the MM FEB UGM 2023 cohort, Tika experienced a highly dynamic study period. During her first and second semesters, she attended classes while pregnant and even gave birth while studying. Around the same time, she also faced profound grief due to the passing of her father. Amid these circumstances, Tika remained determined to complete her studies on time.
Throughout her academic journey, Tika experienced a supportive and conducive learning environment. Classroom discussions benefit from the diverse perspectives of her fellow students.
Support from her academic supervisor also played a significant role in helping Tika navigate her studies and thesis preparation. She wrote her thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Willy Abdillah, S.E., M.Sc., who acted as both her thesis advisor and mentor. With guidance that emphasized commitment, consistency, and academic quality, Tika was able to complete her master’s degree beyond her own expectations. Her thesis focused on analyzing core competencies to support business growth, using PT Telkom, the company where she works, as a case study. This topic was chosen to align with the company’s ongoing fundamental transformation. This transformation requires appropriate strategies to ensure sustainable growth and adaptability.
“I hope the results of this research can serve as a meaningful reflection and a practical reference in the company’s transformation process,” she said.
Tika emphasized that the degree she earned is not an endpoint, but rather the beginning of greater responsibility. She encouraged graduates to become inspiring leaders, to have a positive impact on others, and to remain humble in every role they undertake.
As a reflective message from her academic journey, Tika urged MM FEB UGM students to stay focused, consistent, and committed to the process.
“Take everything step by step. Don’t hesitate to help each other, because this journey will feel much lighter if you undertake it together,” Tika concluded.
Reportage: Dwi Zhafirah Meiliani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
