EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Dr. Taufik Maryusman, S.Gz., M.Pd., M.Gizi., a lecturer at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), has successfully completed his doctoral studies in the Doctoral Program in Public Health at Diponegoro University, achieving an outstanding academic record. He completed the program in two years and ten months with a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00. This achievement demonstrates how discipline, effective time management, and a strong commitment to academic responsibilities can lead to excellence while contributing to the advancement of health sciences. In an online interview with the UPNVJ Public Relations Office, Dr. Taufik shared his experiences, challenges, and strategies that enabled him to complete his doctoral studies on schedule.
Dr. Taufik explained that one of his greatest motivations was the study assignment entrusted to him by UPNVJ. He regarded this opportunity as a responsibility to make the most of the allotted time, broaden his academic expertise, and ultimately return to the university with greater capacity to contribute to both the institution and society.
“I wanted to maximize the opportunity provided by UPNVJ through this study assignment. At the same time, I hoped to expand the impact of health sciences, deepen my knowledge, and make meaningful scientific contributions to society,” he said.
From the outset of his doctoral studies, Dr. Taufik set a clear goal of graduating on time. This objective served not only as personal motivation but also as a framework for organizing his study plan, prioritizing academic tasks, and maintaining consistency throughout every stage of the program.
According to him, completing a doctoral degree requires unwavering discipline. He developed the habit of addressing academic tasks without delay, particularly revisions requested by his supervisors and examination committee. In his view, postponing revisions only makes the process more difficult, as unfinished work accumulates and disrupts the overall progress of the study.
“Never postpone revisions. The longer you delay them, the more overwhelming they become. That is why I always tried to complete revisions as quickly as possible so the academic process could continue smoothly,” he explained.
In addition to consistency, Dr. Taufik emphasized that the ability to accept constructive feedback was one of the most important factors in his academic journey. He acknowledged that the greatest challenge was not merely completing the dissertation but remaining open to diverse perspectives offered by his supervisor, co-supervisor, and members of the examination committee.
He believes this process fostered his academic maturity. Doctoral students are expected not only to defend their scholarly arguments but also to accommodate constructive criticism, strengthen their reasoning, and broaden their perspectives through continuous academic discussion.
“The most challenging part is being open to and accommodating the diverse feedback provided by supervisors and examiners. It is equally important to engage in discussions with colleagues to enrich one’s perspective,” he remarked.
Throughout his doctoral journey, Dr. Taufik completed nine academic examinations and evaluation stages. Each stage involved assessments, recommendations, and revisions that required meticulous attention and strong mental resilience. He described the process as particularly demanding, requiring significant sacrifices in terms of time, energy, and concentration.
“Going through nine examination stages was extremely challenging because every stage required revisions. It demanded sacrificing much of my time for rest,” he recalled.
Beyond the academic workload, maintaining mental well-being presented another significant challenge. Dr. Taufik noted that pursuing a doctoral degree is not only an intellectual endeavor but also a journey of self-management. The pressure of meeting deadlines, fulfilling academic expectations, and responding to repeated revisions must be balanced with conscious efforts to preserve mental health.
He also highlighted the importance of effective time management. For Dr. Taufik, managing time means more than organizing a schedule; it also involves recognizing when to focus intensely on work, when to engage in academic discussions, and when to allow oneself adequate time to recover and recharge.
Dr. Taufik’s achievement of earning a doctoral degree with a perfect GPA represents a significant milestone for UPNVJ, particularly in strengthening the quality of its academic staff. Amid increasingly competitive demands in higher education, university lecturers are expected not only to teach but also to produce impactful research, scholarly publications, innovations, and scientific contributions that address the needs of society.
As a lecturer in nutrition and public health, Dr. Taufik hopes that the knowledge he has gained will strengthen the role of academics in addressing contemporary public health challenges. He also aspires for his academic journey to inspire fellow lecturers, colleagues, and students who intend to pursue higher levels of education.
To lecturers and students alike, Dr. Taufik emphasized the importance of establishing strong personal motivation before embarking on postgraduate studies. In his view, academic preparedness must be complemented by adequate preparation in terms of time, financial resources, and mental readiness to ensure a focused and successful academic journey.
“Define your motivation before continuing your studies. Prepare yourself thoroughly—not only academically, but also in terms of time, financial resources, and mental readiness. Hopefully, more academics will become highly competent and capable of making meaningful contributions to society,” he advised.
Dr. Taufik Maryusman’s academic accomplishment reflects UPNVJ’s commitment to enhancing the qualifications of its lecturers and strengthening the university’s contribution to scientific advancement. From an institutional perspective, this success aligns with the vision of UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm, to continuously develop human capital, improve academic excellence, and ensure that the knowledge generated by the university’s academic community delivers tangible benefits to the nation.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
