On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), held a seminar entitled “The Role of Mathematics Graduates in the World of Work and Education.” The seminar was presented by Nurul Wahyuni, M.S., an alumna of the Mathematics Department, FMIPA USK.
Nurul, who earned a bronze medal at the National Olympiad of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (ONMIPA) for universities in 2011, began her studies in the Mathematics Department in 2007. After completing her undergraduate degree in 2011, she continued her graduate and doctoral studies at West Virginia University (WVU), USA. She pursued pure mathematics, focusing on Chebyshev Polynomials and Fibonacci Numbers for her master’s thesis. Currently a Ph.D. student in Mathematics Education at WVU, Nurul has extensive experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and has contributed to mathematics education through her publications in the field.
Moderated by Rini Oktavia, Ph.D., Secretary of the Mathematics Department, Nurul shared her experience of receiving a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her master’s degree in the United States. She provided practical guidance on preparing for scholarship applications, achieving high TOEFL scores, adopting effective study habits, adapting to campus life, and maintaining faith-based values as a Muslim woman living abroad.
The talk show was attended not only by mathematics students but also by lecturers from the department. The participants were highly enthusiastic, asking numerous questions related to mathematics and academic life in the U.S.
According to Difa Tazkya, a 2020 mathematics student, the learning system at WVU is very structured and disciplined. For instance, students caught cheating during exams automatically receive an F grade, which is permanent and cannot be changed. Assignments for the entire semester are announced on the first day of class, leaving no room for late submissions. Interestingly, attendance is not taken during lectures; grades are determined solely by performance on three to four exams each semester.
Nurul also shared her academic activities as a Ph.D. student in Mathematics Education at WVU, guided by Rini Oktavia, Ph.D., during the discussion session.
Hasya Rahmah, a 2019 mathematics student, reflected on the event:
“Prepare yourself and start learning from now, whether in pure, applied, or computational mathematics. Find as much information as you can about scholarships, both domestic and international. It’s possible that one day you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad. I also think it would be great if our program adopted a similar system to WVU’s, where assignments and deadlines are announced at the beginning of the semester to reduce late submissions.”
Another student, Rachmawati, shared her impressions:
“This event really motivated us to study diligently and aim for scholarships abroad. While we still have the chance, we should also participate in academic competitions such as ONMIPA, which can be valuable experiences for pursuing graduate studies overseas.”
At the end of the session, Nurul emphasized an important reminder for all students:
“Your parents’ blessing is the most important thing. As students, your main duty is to study—so don’t waste your college days just sitting around and hanging out at coffee shops.”
(Referring to weekdays, Monday through Friday.)
(Written by Rahma Dhiyaa Sausan – Mathematics, Class of 2020)