Navigating the labyrinth of higher education can feel like an epic quest, fraught with challenges, uncertainties, and a myriad of decisions.
As graduates transition from academic life to their professional or further study paths, their insights offer a beacon of guidance.
This article delves into the journeys of recent UNISSA graduates, uncovering their personal strategies, lessons learned, and advice to help current and future students turn the maze of higher education into a pathway to success.
Whether you’re juggling multiple responsibilities or seeking to align your studies with your career goals, their experiences provide valuable tips to guide you through this transformative phase.
PLAN LIKE A PRO
Dr Nurulhuda Asilah binti Haji Asli, a PhD graduate in Islamic Media and Communication Technology, emphasises the importance of meticulous planning, especially during data collection.
“Research is never definite, you will always find something unexpected,” she advised.
“While we might anticipate certain results, I often discover valuable insights that were not initially expected.”
She shared that it is essential to maintain the mind-set that ‘not everything is set in stone’, and to critically evaluate every finding, no matter how small.
LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Luqmanul Hakeem bin Haji Rozaini, a Master’s graduate in Halal Science, faced unexpected challenges during his research in Japan, particularly with language barriers during his two months spent conducting research there.
“I needed to interview were not fluent in English, making communication difficult.
“To overcome this, I had to translate my interview questions from English to Japanese, which required not only language skills but also a deep understanding of cultural nuances to ensure accurate communication and interpretation,” he shared.
His advice: embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
BALANCE AND PRIORITISE
For Nurul Iffah binti Haji Puasa, juggling dual degrees and various commitments sharpened her time-management skills and enhanced her ability to multi-task, both of which are essential in her current role.
“Balancing multiple responsibilities taught me to prioritise and manage my time effectively,” she said.
Participating in moot competitions and legal aid roles honed her practical skills, proving that disciplined study and seizing opportunities outside the classroom are vital.
“My advice to peers is to remain disciplined in your studies, even when the material may seem tedious or challenging.
“Moreover, I encourage everyone to seek learning opportunities beyond the classroom – embrace experiences that push you out of your comfort zone and broaden your perspective.
EMBRACE ADAPTABILITY
Siti Wardah binti Bolhassan, who completed her Bachelor’s in Islamic Finance with First Class honours, highlights the importance of adaptability, especially during the pandemic.
“Online learning was challenging, but it strengthened my skills and knowledge,” she reflected.
“Throughout my studies, I was fortunate to have supportive lecturers who were always available to guide and assist us.”
Her tip: Manage your time effectively and stay resilient through demanding coursework.
STAY DETERMINED AND POSITIVE
Dayangku Lutfiatul Mahfuzah binti Pengiran Anak Mohd Yusuf, a Bachelor in Syariah Fiqh and Usul degree holder pursuing a Master’s in Syariah by coursework and dissertation, encourages resilience.
She encourages others to remain determined in pursuing their goals, to be brave, challenge themselves and stand out from the crowd.
“Failure isn’t a setback but a lesson,” said the graduate. She believes that this shapes personal character through the process of trial and error.
“Surround yourself with positive, broad-minded people and ignore negativity. True success lies in continual learning and enduring hardships,” she said.
These graduates’ journeys illustrate that success in higher education is shaped not only by academic prowess but also by qualities such as adaptability, perseverance, and strategic planning.
It definitely involves more than just mastering coursework; it requires the ability to adjust to evolving challenges, persist through setbacks, and plan effectively for both short-term and long-term goals.
Their experiences highlight that while academic excellence is crucial, the soft skills acquired along the way play a pivotal role in achieving and sustaining success in today’s dynamic and demanding world. – Rokiah Mahmud
