My MBA Journey | Pingkan Podung

Welcome to my new turning point of life, MBA Journey!

Honestly, talking about MBA, I've never imagined before to take this major for master.

Since I was a Forestry Student - the only thing I think to pursue my master is about Forestry too.

After 5 years of graduation as Sarjana Kehutanan (Bachelor of Forestry) I think I got an ultimate gift, by the scholarship that is provided by our company - Pegadaian MBA Scholarship Program -.

Flashback, when I was in 3rd grade of Primary School, I remember when I visited the office (or home?) of the boss of my father at that time, in Karya Etam Street. I forget his name, but when I see the name board on the wall, it's written (his name) and degree MBA. That was my first time to know about MBA (Master of Business Administration).

2 years of waiting, 2020 Batch I, I couldn't join the selection because of my work experience wasn't enough (2 years from PKWT). Then on 2021 Batch II, I couldn't join the selection because of the same reason. Fully surprise I saw my 3 friends of MDP 1 join this program in Batch II and departed on 2022.

Yes! In the grace of Lord Jesus, I applied for the Batch III that openen on August 2022.

The poster I was waiting for years.

On 13th August 2022, I applied for TOEFL ITP test in Sam Ratulangi University. The fee was Rp 650.000. Thank you to Pegadaian Learning Wallet, I used it to get the test.

 In the end of the month, I got the score, and the score is 503. I was very sad at that time. Should I wait for next year (again)?

Like a second chance.

Surprisingly, there was an "Exended Registration" and I tried again to do TOEFL ITP in Bengkulu Colorado English Course and did the tes online. Praise the Lord, I got better score to apply in the end of application submission dateline. Thank you to Pak DOP, Pak Mus, Ci Lady and all people who supported me to keep applying, in the last day of September 2022.

08th Nov 2022 I joined Gelora Millennials BUMN KM Sinabung Makassar - Surabaya route.

On 08th Nov 2022, when I was in Makassar, surprisingly I got the first letter of result of Tahap I selection.

This was super gift for me. I could't believe He's sooooo kind to me.

Thank you to PEGADAIAN, who gives us fully support to prepare the GMAT & TOEFL iBT test for the requirement of campus applying.

1. Online preparation by Zoom (with teacher : Mr. Eric, Mr. Richard, Mr. Christian)

on 21st Nov - 05th Dec 2022

2. Offline preparation in Kaplan Class (with offline teacher : Mr. Richard & Mr. Christian)

on 05th Dec - 20th Dec 2022

The classes were so fun! Once in a lifetime experience.

A lot of pictures actually :D 

Welcome to our gallery. 1 month of preparation is such a PRECIOUS EXPERIENCE.

Finally, I came to Jakarta again on Dec 2022! Almost 1 year leaving Jakarta, here I came back again.

Learnt with the classmates.

It's wrapped up! Congratulations Pegadaian Scholars

and Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2023!

Time flies, 3 weeks of preparation to TOEFL iBT & GMAT Test.

Here we are!

1. TOEFL iBT test with kak Salma on January, 14th 2023

2. GMAT test with friends on January, 18th 2023

After January, second time I came to Jakarta, we went back to our homes.

Facing the reality. Back to work and give the best.

On Feb 9th, I got a suprise call in the night... Thank you Lord, I don't deserve your mercy.

On Feb 17th, I was in Bali (HUT 40 PT) and got the second result of selection...

If I can resume in 3 words, GOD PROVIDES ENOUGH

It's officially released. SOLI DEO GLORIA

I am not the smartest, the -est in the class. But, He gives me enough scores to pass, especially this tahap II. Not because of me, I call it as MERCY OF GOD.

Thank you to PEGADAIAN, who gives us fully support to prepare the Academic Writting for the requirement of campus applying. (Essay, Resume, etc)

Our prayer everyday is getting the best campuses for 6 of us. So we can be the good representatives of Pegadaian and Indonesia to pursue our MBA. May God hears all our prayers :)

On 17th April 2023, I got a chance to do Mock Interview with Mr. Eric.
Thank you so much for precious insight.

Praise the Lord, I got my first interview with Kellogg School of Management on 

Monday, 24th April 2023.

Fully Supported by Family and my RCEO.

I got my second interview with Tepper School of Business on 

Tuesday, 16 May 2023.

I got my third interview with Frankfurt School on 

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

D E C I S I O N S :

During 25 March to 28th Apr 2022 I have applied to 7 universities and got answers :

1. Dartmouth (Tuck) - NO without Interview
2. Northwestern (Kellogg) - NO with interview

3. UCLA (Anderson) - NO without Interview

4. UC Davis MBA - NO without Interview

5. University of Southern California (Marshall) - NO without Interview

6. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) - NO with interview

7. University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal) - NO without Interview

Plus
8. George Washington University 
9. Southern Methodist University (Cox)

Sad? Of course. But I have done my best. I believe, I keep trying stronger, better, and keep relying on God. He has provided the best for me. Giving up isn't the option. Keep going ahead is the only thing I'll do.

JUNE - LET'S TAKE A LOOK TO EUROPE

1. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
2. HHL Leipzig
3. EDHEC

4. Vlerick Business School

5. ESCP

In this special blog, even I still don't know what campus will accept me, what campus will I go to, I want to say big thank you to all people who supports me unconditionally. I am so blessed. It's like my biggest war in my life.

1. Family & Bestie (Yeni)

2. Pdt (Pdt. Nicodemus, Pdt. Dinka, Pdt. Ria Jacobs, Pdt Pinkan Cornelis, Pdt. Asyna Sihombing, Pdt Oktry, Pdt. Margaretha Sihombing, Pdt. I Nyoman Djepun, Pdt. Yusuf Samperuru, Pdt. Sofietje Pdt. Weldat Rintjap, Pdt. Frederika Warouw)

3. ALL PEGADAIAN (Head Office, Region Office Manado especially Dept SDM Squad, Cicit & Pandoors Family)

4. Dewan Persekutuan Teruna GPIB
5. Kolom 4 & Sentrum family andalan
6. Pelita Kasih Supporters (Mba Lila, Kak Ivon, Te Puji)
7. Friends : 9.12,  Bully Genk, Trio SD, BFF Haida Pijoan

8. Band Airmadidi Satu

9. Gerkatin Manado/Sulut

10. Pegadaian MBA Scholarship seniors & alumni

It's more than enough for me to get those support. Ah, THANK YOU SO MUCH. With that biggest support, I'll do my best for this process. GOD BE WITH ME.

Manado, 14th June 2023

In the process of Campus 

Wish me very luck!

-Podungmy