“A literature alumni can be a banker?!”

Tashia Maharani Tarmizi, an alumni of the English Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, who also had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at the University of York, has successfully embarked on her career in the banking industry!

Currently, Tashia works at Bank Central Asia, the top-ranked private bank in Asia, as a management trainee under the Management Development Program (MDP). In brief, MDP itself is a one year program created by BCA to train and nurture future leaders in the banking industry through comprehensive in-class lessons and on-the-job training experiences. In one year, trainees will undergo various rotations in different divisions within the company, such as operations, audit, sales and marketing, and credit analysis.

Her experience at BCA made her realize that working in a bank is not as boring as what many people say. During her first rotation, Tashia had the opportunity to learn about how the banking business process goes at one of BCA’s main branches. Not only did she gain practical work experience, she was also trained to think like a banker, with problem solving skills that offer the best solutions to challenges faced by stakeholders. This experience sharpened her knowledge of business industry and also honed her soft skills such as assertive communication, problem solving, and critical thinking.

One thing that she highlights about the program is its highly competitive recruitmnet process. But, she really appreciates how BCA conducts interviews that prioritize two-way communication. This step is genuinely used to understand the candidates in detail, including their background, motivations, personal goals, etc. Additionally, BCA focuses on a strong emphasis on human resource development, hence continuous learning through coaching, in-class lessons, and on-the-job training are integral parts that will be experienced by every candidate.

However, the journey that she had to take (and currently taking, and will take) is not all rainbows and butterflies. Her education background in literature requires her to study even harder, especially in the quantitative realm. Nevertheless, she believes that literature and humanities students have been accustomed to analytical and critical thinking, as well as viewing problems from various persepctives, which adds value to excel in this program and environment. Another challaange she faced was the shift in the working system from WFH (Work from Home) to WFO (Work from Office). As a person accustomed to the WFH system, this gave her another different experience. However, she is beyond grateful for it, as it brought her closer to her friends and colleagues.

One intriguing aspect of Tashia Maharani is that the thought of becoming a banker never crossed her mind. Previously, she worked as a full time entrepreneur at home, building a small business that aligned with her passion. Most people asked her why she gave up on spearheading her business in exchange to going back to corporate life. Her answer is pretty simple, she still has a strong passion and desire to learn. Whether she ends up as a banker or an entrepreneur, she is aware that there is so much she does not know about in this world. Tashia chose MDP because she believes that this program not only teaches how to be a leader but also allows her to meet people from different backgrounds and industries. Moreover, this job brings her closer to various aspects such as economics, trade, investment, etc, which are closely related to people’s daily lives.

In conclusion, Tashia emphasized that the MDP program and the banking industry, in general, is made up of people from diverse backgrounds, most of which are not direclty related to their current jobs. Tashia says, “Just because you come from a certain major, it does not mean that you cannot have a career in the banking industry. The most important thing is to have leadership and interpersonal skills, which can be honed through various activities such as organizations, student exchanges, internships, as well as the ability to analyze and think critically, which will guide you through various challenges.”

Photo 1: Tashia when she was attending the University of York as a student exchange through IISMA program. 

Photo 2: She had an amazing opportunity to visit the Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia to the United Kingdom, Ireland and International Maritime Organization in London.

Ever wonder why men and women sometimes seem like they’re speaking different languages? Linguists have been digging into this mystery, going beyond vocabulary differences to explore how men and women communicate in unique ways. This article aims to discover the fascinating world of gender-specific language patterns, pulling insights from reliable sources to give you the lowdown on this captivating aspect of human interaction.

Communication Styles: Reading Between the Lines

When it comes to social interactions, men and women often showcase distinct communication styles. Women, in particular, have a knack for using implicit language, especially when expressing their wants or likes. Picture this: you’re on a date, and your girlfriend doesn’t outright say where she’d like to go. Instead, she drop hints, leaving it to you to play detective and figure out their unspoken preferences. This tendency aligns with what linguists have found – women often use subtle communication strategies to get their point across (Lakoff, 1975).

Tag Questions and Rising Intonation: The Women’s Secret Language

One of the landmark studies on gender-specific language use, led by Deborah Tannen in 1975, shed light on the prevalence of tag questions in women’s speech. Tannen argued that women deploy tag questions as a way of hedging, adding a touch of uncertainty or seeking reassurance. She also pointed out that women frequently use rising intonation on statements, making them sound like questions. This linguistic quirk adds a layer of complexity to women’s communication, requiring a nuanced interpretation to grasp their intended meaning.

Different Strokes: Men vs. Women in Language

Linguists have delved into the intriguing differences in emphasis between men’s and women’s language, shedding light on unique communication styles. Research indicates that men typically prioritize conveying information, striving for clarity and directness. In contrast, women often assign a higher significance to social connections and the cultivation of relationships (Tannen, 1990). For instance, women may engage in sharing gossip as a means to foster and maintain relationships among themselves (Tannen, 1991). This communication practice, far from being trivial, serves as a social bonding mechanism, strengthening connections within their social circles. On the other hand, men tend to share information selectively, focusing on relaying pertinent and crucial details.

In conclusion, the use of language between men and women unfolds as a multifaceted phenomenon, intricately woven with various linguistic nuances. Deborah Tannen’s groundbreaking work in 1975 marked a significant milestone, offering a gateway to a deeper comprehension of these distinctive communication styles. The delicacy inherent in women’s language, coupled with their strong emphasis on social connections, contributes to the rich tapestry of human communication. Importantly, recognizing and appreciating these nuanced differences in language aligns with the global pursuit of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality. SDG 5 emphasizes the importance of dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in various spheres, including communication. As our understanding of gender differences in language continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial to consider these nuances not only for enhancing interpersonal communication but also as part of a broader commitment to fostering gender equality. By acknowledging and valuing the unique ways in which men and women communicate, we contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful world.

References:
Lakoff, R. (1975). Language and Woman’s Place. Harper & Row.
Tannen, D. (1975). You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. William Morrow and Company, Inc.
Tannen, D. (1990). You’re Wearing THAT?: Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation. Random House.
Tannen, D. (19911990). You just don’t understand: women and men in conversation. 1st Ballantine Books ed. New York, Ballantine.

This article has previously been published by Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM through this link.

At the end of 2023, a collaborative work, “Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore, and Back,” emerged as a result of an academic collaboration between English Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This book explains the journey of diversity and interculturalism they experienced during a cultural exchange program, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diversity and eliminating boundaries.

The book is divided into several chapters, each written by two English Department’s lecturers; Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., and Rahmawan Jatmiko, S.S., M.A., along with ten English Department students; Maulita Shinta, Misma Ro Daud, Jesse Puspita, Leni Cahya, Mellyana Nungki, Anisa Sofiana, Aulia Muchtarom, Gabriella Novianti, Anis Daika, and Nur Aini. They pour their ideas and thoughts on the concept of multiculturalism in Singapore and Indonesia, which makes the book become a pure reflection of multiculturalism that provides insights about cross-cultural interactions. Furthermore, students’ involvement also reflects their perspectives that have developed during the cultural exchange program.

Overall, “Harmony in Diversity: A Journey from Jogja to Singapore and Back” contributes to the on going discussion on multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding. Through the lens of English Literature, the authors invite readers to explore a journey beyond geographical boundaries and contemplate the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding. This collaboration is expected to serve as inspiration for future cultural exchange programs and academic collaborations, serving as a tool to promote a world where diversity is celebrated, and harmony is appreciated.

From January 1st, 2023 to January 1st, 2024, Brigita Sekar, a student from the English Department, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the valuable opportunity to be an intern at a multinational company, SAP. This internship was organized through the SAP Student Training and Rotation (STAR) program, which is specifically designed to provide practical work experience for undergraduate students.

As a company running in software and technology, SAP offered Brigita the chance to engage in various divisions within the company during the internship. It did not only provide practical insights into various operational aspects of the company but also helped Brigita develop her soft skills. By participating in various projects and teams, she could enhance her interpersonal skills, such as leadership and communication skills, which are valuable in a professional working environment.

Moreover, she had the opportunity to visit Singapore for free as part of an office visit or to explore SAP’s office in Singapore for two weeks. This opportunity aimed to provide valuable experience in skill and capability development. Besides gaining insights from the working environment at the SAP office, this event also provided opportunities to learn more about the industry and work culture in the country. During these two weeks, Brigita had the chance to directly engage in office activities, interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and gain in-depth insights into business practices in Singapore. This experience also allowed her to build a broader professional network by interacting with professionals from various parts of the SAP office, potentially paving the way for future collaborations.

Through Brigita’s experience, we can learn that internships for students are not just additional activities but an integral part that cannot be separated from the higher education process. These experiences do not only provide direct understanding of working environment and related industries but also serve as a foundation that strengthens and prepares students to face the increasingly complex challenges in the professional working environment.

Photo 1: Interview Visit for Press Release SAP and Arya Noble dengan CIO (Chief of Information Officer) Arya Noble, Yonathan Moniaga, Rizka Laksmi (Communications Lead for SAP Indonesia), and Lili Hartono (Industry Account Executive, SAP Indonesia)