Postgraduate Research: Creating Success while Facing the Challenges of Education in the New Millennium
No ‘Adha Abdul Hamid1, Norfaezah Mohd Hamidin2
1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor (KUIS), Bandar Seri Putra, 43000 Kajang Selangor
2 Senior Lecturer, Pusat Pengajian Teras, Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor (KUIS), Bandar Seri Putra, 43000 Kajang Selangor
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Accepted: 15 December 2020 | Published: 31 December 2020
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Abstract: Outstanding career positions require higher qualification certificates which are relevant to specific field subject areas that require relevant qualifications. As such the drive to hold a higher education degree is an aspiration held by most people who understand its power and benefits. The success of garnering a Master and Doctor of Philosophy Degree, also signifies that said student could have a more meaningful responsibility in the development of society. Pursuing higher education to increase your existing qualifications is not easy. In line with the latest developments in knowledge and aspects of knowledge, both aqli and naqli, various challenges arise. Challenges arising from content and values in the aspects of holistic education, the challenges of implementing education that are more inclusive and in line with the current advancement of technology, the challenges of preparation and readiness of the job market and such are among the various challenges that need to be addressed. This situation requires the combined strategy and strength of various parties, especially educators and students and the relevant authorities. The objective of this article is to identify factors related to the importance of pursuing postgraduate studies. This study uses a qualitative method of data collection through semi-structured interviews. A total of eleven (11) respondents were selected from universities in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam which offer postgraduate courses. The main questions given were related to why they felt it was important that they continued their education through postgraduate programs (Masters and Doctor of Philosophy) in their respective fields and identify their main motivation to successfully pursue a higher education. The study was analyzed using a descriptive method where the findings are described in depth based on themes. The study found that there are several factors related to the importance of pursuing postgraduate studies. Among them is the awareness that gaining knowledge is a requirement for everyone who is a servant of God, the awareness that their research conducted brings benefits to various parties and celebrates the advancements of the academic world so that the knowledge received and obtained has the opportunity to be disseminated well to the public.
Keywords: Research, Postgraduate, New Millennium, Education, Success
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1. Introduction
If a student does not already have a degree, the ambition to earn a bachelor's degree may exist.
For those who already have a bachelor's degree they may aspire to continue their studies to the Master level and then towards a Doctor of Philosophy. It is human nature to want the best for oneself.
What is postgraduate study? The word postgraduate refers to a student who continues his or her studies at a higher level after completing their first degree. Though other terms may apply the commonly used term is postgraduate. Postgraduate studies involve the learning process for an academic or professional degree (Web Wikipedia). What are the significant transition differences between graduate and postgraduate studies? Graduate studies are different in terms of transition compared to postgraduate studies though to some extent students may feel this is similar to what they went through when transitioning from high school to graduate studies. In general, what distinguishes between these two eras is that the graduate studies what is known, while the postgraduate studies about the unknown through a process called research.
On the foreword in the book ‘Sukses Harungi PhD’ (Successfully Surviving a PhD) A Guide for Students and Supervisors, Asso. Prof. Dr. Sakina Shaikh Ahmad Yusoff, UKM (2018) refers and describes the importance of knowledge through the following hadiths: Through Abu Hurairah radhiallahu ‘anhu, Rasulullah SAW said: “If the son of Adam dies, then all his deeds are cut off except three things; sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), useful knowledge, and pious children who regularly pray" (H.R. Muslim). Imam Al Ghazali, on the other hand, once said,
"Strike your brain to seek as much knowledge as possible in order to unearth the great secret contained in the great thing called this world, but light a lamp in your heart, a light to keep your soul alive." The importance of gaining knowledge is clearly illustrated in the verses of the Quran, hadith fragments and messages above.
Nor Adha (2018) in the foreword segment and introduction by Asso. Prof. Dr. Sakina Shaikh Ahmad Yusoff, UKM also stated that the acquisition of knowledge through PhD level studies is a life struggle that is filled with a variety of experiences shrouded in grief pain and various emotional waves. For those who choose to go through it, a PhD is one of the parts of life that requires immense mental strength and sometimes physical strength. PhDs also require the sacrifices of both the students and those close to them, especially families. But despite the colorful life PhD students, as soon as they receive their Doctor of Philosophy Degree, every student will finally feel how delicious this incomprehensible this gift of God and that it was worth all the sacrifices. Going through life as a PhD student is not an easy task. PhD studies require proper strategizing to garner success. With a proper understanding of the PhD requirements, careful planning as well as structured and systematic implementation, acquiring a PhD becomes a journey that is easy to explore and obtain. Strategizing towards achieving experience gain is taking a step towards success. Without an organized strategy, it is difficult for one to achieve success. The same goes for acquiring a PhD. Knowing one’s strategy on facing the overall study process itself is a step taken towards success.
The objective of this article is to identify factors related to the importance of pursuing postgraduate studies, the challenges of preparation and job market readiness. This situation requires the combined strategy and strength of various parties, especially the educator students and relevant authorities.
2. Literature Review
Hamizatun Akmal (2013), explained that there are a handful of postgraduate students who could not graduate within the stipulated period. This to some extent raises doubts on the problems posed by these individuals and the problems faced by the government to achieve their developed country goals. The opportunity to pursue higher education in Malaysia is available to everyone, even if they are already working. Learning and teaching (P&P) is an ongoing process occurring either formally or informally in daily life. According to Robert M. Gagne
(1970) learning is a certain change in a person’s behaviour or abilities that can be sustained while excluding the changes caused by the growth process. The issues addressed in the Graduate on Time (GOT) study laid out impacts to the country and society in terms of the relevance of programs offered and job offers in the industry. Graduate centres can constantly monitor and ensure academic programs and professional standards are in line at the faculty and institution level. Secondly, GOT students can also optimize their ratio of personal success and skills. Thirdly, a successful GOT student has a positive impact on graduate students, academics and success on research universities achieving objectives holistically (Bain et al. 2010). The findings of the study puts forth various implications for graduate students in order for them to make choices, guidelines and preparations to help them reduce the risk of failure when pursuing further graduate studies (Watthanapradith, M., & Tongkumchum, P. (2018).
Students are less skilled in organizing data analysis, interpreting synthesis and anti-thesis in their thesis writing (Carter, 2004). Other challenges identified are financial problems, time, health, school / program / faculty culture, supervisory weaknesses, quality of life and thesis writing. Gender aspects are also identified as a challenge where more married women drop out compared to men. While the social sciences and humanities graduate students drop out more than those in pure science (Smallwood 2004; lovitts & Nelson 2000; Gardner, 2010; Golde, 2005). Intelligence, learning style (Terrel 2002) and the complex decision faced by students before withdrawing from a particular program is one that is difficult to explore and the probability of this pattern reaching all faculties and institutes (Golde 2005). Rockinson- Szapkiw (2014) found that there are five main themes identified for graduate students on time or GOT. Among the themes are as follows: i) relationships with family, friends and the faculty;
ii) determination, organizational skills and time management; iii) flexibility of appropriate programs and courses iv) career advancement and financial rewards and v) clear understanding of graduate programs. The graduation period depends on the student's criteria, such as responsibility, level of motivation, negative feelings (frustration, lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, despair, anxiety) and health problems (McAlpine et al. 2009 & Abidin 2006).
According to Martinez et al. (2013) and Haynes et al. (2012) stress challenges among graduate students stem from time management constraints and this influencing failures in the graduate study process especially among adult students. Hamzah et al. (2014) also found that effective time management factor contributes to 50% success in graduating according to the time periods set. Martinez et al. (2013) and Wan Zah et al. (2008) explained that the effectiveness of time management is measured based on the perspective of mastery of knowledge, techniques and the way an individual manages, organizes and divides time for his daily activities in order for it to be utilized to the optimum level. Efficient time management among female students with families is a great challenge that requires constant commitment. Lasode and Awote (2014) stated that prioritizing the main thing is necessary because the time constraint factor is the most critical thing for married female students.
Researchers found that supervisors also needed to play an important role in formulating strategies for students so that they can complete their studies within the stipulated time. There are many supervising research styles taught to graduate students (Boehe, 2016). The balance in the practice of the best supervisory style is through developing the creativity of graduate students where at the beginning of the study they would need to hold regular meetings until all students understand the goals of the institution. The postgraduate research process involves the production of the thesis but the majority of graduate students face major problems in said academic writing. The success of producing a good thesis has to do with academic writing.
According to Joanna (2018) the main challenges in academic writing for graduate students can
be likened to the three themes as follows: first understanding the laws of the jungle; the second is the experience of navigating the darkness of the jungle and the third is a wave with isolation in the jungle. Thus, Joanna (2018) suggests the struggle of graduate students to face various challenges of academic writing through discipline, socialization, supervisory approach and understanding the rules of their respective educational institutions.
The study of Khadijah Alavi et. Al (2020) concludes that the majority of GOT graduate students are faced with financial problems and are on the long waiting-list for research instruments especially among graduate students who use the laboratory. While non-GOT graduate students face a wide range of challenges such as stress, financial problems, health, instruments and chemicals are insufficient, difficult to publish high-impact journals, problems with supervisors, difficult to manage technical and methodological formats in thesis, difficult to collect data and difficult to get the latest reference material. After understanding in depth the challenges faced by graduate students to achieve GOT, learning strategies are then identified among graduate students that have positive implications that is to present a thesis progress report every month; set daily goals for completing the thesis or journal writing and regularly discuss said work with supervisors and fellow graduates in relation to the research projects. An important thing needs to be done by graduate students to achieve GOT, file management and documents that can be accessed immediately without wasting time to find data documents, literature and thesis writing reports.
3. Methodology
This study uses a qualitative method of data gathering through semi-structured interviews.
Eleven (11) respondents were selected to represent the universities of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam which offer postgraduate courses. The main questions given are related to why they felt it was important to continue their postgraduate studies (Masters and Doctor of Philosophy) in their respective fields and their main motivation to successfully acquire the degree? The study was analysed using a descriptive method which means the findings are described on a theme. In this study, the researcher uses the method of data analysis by combining information/library research data and field study data through the answers obtained by interview (using answers and notes through smartphone Whatsapp software in between April until July 2018). Interview respondents were marked as R1 to R11 in the discussion description. All respondents agreed to be involved in writing the results of the study. By using the selected methods, the researcher obtained the exact results of the study as expected. The method of data analysis in this study uses a deductive method that is to describe the information in general and later in comprehensive form to answer the objectives of the study.
4. Analysis and Discussion
To answer the objectives stated above, the researchers interviewed selected respondents related to the question ‘Why do you feel it is important to continue your studies in postgraduate programs (Masters and Doctor of Philosophy) in your respective fields and what is the main motivation to successfully acquire a degree?’. The interview (using answers and notes through smartphone Whatsapp software) was conducted in between April until July 2018).
Based on the interview with Respondent 1, Zeti Yusmira Haji Jaludin, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam University College of Religious Studies, stated as follows:
Achieving the dream of learning with effort - berkarih, berjarih, belurih. Originally, I only saw the importance of studying as far as the need to pass the exams. However, over time the interest in learning arose which then channelled awareness. A level of awareness takes a long time to cultivate, though with results coming from effort, sincere learning and mature processes are required. As to the study with awareness, I admit that learning to achieve the pleasure of Allah should be with istiqamah and at the best of my ability. In the reality of life, the importance of furthering your studies at the PhD level as a servant of God is teaching to evaluate and decide the extent of interest in life.
That is how awareness discipline training takes time. Like the importance of prayer requirements by answering a mother's request. Such is the awareness of training self- discipline as a servant of God and not just by overcoming problems or proving success.
The factor that motivated me to pursue a PhD was the awareness that gaining knowledge is a requirement on everyone who is a servant of God. The greatness of the stage of seeking knowledge in the way of Allah is to travel and be acquainted with the source of knowledge. Even in the reality of life my PhD age also taking into account the age of my child. This is what motivates the desire to learn in addition to wanting to gain the pleasure of God.
Meanwhile, a 2nd respondent, Ahmad Yani Ismail PhD Student, Universiti Putra Malaysia, explained as follows:
My PhD has trained me to be an effective researcher. In other words, like a scientist. It trained me to be a scholar who could argue and issue opinions based on accurate facts relevant to my field of research. PhD studies trained me to always refer to authoritative facts when learning about something. It also exposed me to research methods that are appropriate and relevant to a study. PhD also makes me a thinker who is able to analyse an issue as well as provide enlightenment and suggestions for solving a problem. PhD which carries the meaning of Doctor of Philosophy has exposed me to the evaluation of an issue from a philosophical perspective. This method goes beyond evaluation in terms of processes operations and transactions. Through my PhD, I was able to distinguish philosophy from the Western lens from Islam, which is an important filter on an issue. PhD is heavy on the way of thinking. It also trained me to be a good writer.
My main encouragement is the awareness that the study conducted benefits many parties. My research brings universal issues and contributes to human civilization.
Everything for the sake of God's knowledge for human beings. In short, it is about knowledge. PhD is about the clarity of thought.
Based on the interview with Respondent 3, Wazzainab Ismail PhD student, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, expressed the following views:
To me, a PhD is a journey of seeking knowledge. The most important requirement is to instil sincere intentions in achieving it. The importance of pursuing a PhD is to celebrate the advancement of the academic world so that the knowledge which is received and acquired had the opportunity to be disseminated. Although it is not mandatory for the knowledge to be possessed with a PhD, taking the PhD has its own benefits. Science belongs to the Creator. Allah and he bestows everything on whomever He choose. As an academic at a university or college, it becomes one's duty to continue the search for knowledge by tracing the available and recognized means through PhD studies. If PhD is the key to the success of the delivery and dissemination of knowledge, then it should be seen as the main goal for academics at the university. PhD studies must follow the
field and strength of one's knowledge. Knowledgeable academics will celebrate all branches of knowledge. For example, a person who studies Fiqh and his field is Fiqh, then he needs to know well about the principles of Fiqh, Tafsir, Ulum Hadith, Ulum Quran and Arabic because the aforementioned is a branch of knowledge is very related to each other. An academic should also celebrate other branches of knowledge such as health history and patriotism so that his expertise will be more robust and include field varsity. For example, Ilmu Fiqah blended with medicine will be able to help the community about proper nutrition. In terms of encouragement, I feel sincerity with the owner of knowledge who gives us strength because it makes the knowledge a blessing.
Sincere intention as well as unwavering spirit and effort to always be on my strength throughout this study.
Based on the interview with Respondent 4, Pg. Dr. Hajah Norkhairiah Pg. Haji Hashim of Brunei Darussalam, Phd level study program. Respondent 4 stated as follows:
Apart from deepening knowledge with field theory, sharpening skills with research methodology and further improving skills in thesis writing, PhD studies shape the researcher into a solution to current issues or problems. Next, PhD students make significant contributions through the findings of the study for the benefit of the relevant parties as well as the community. The main driver for success is seen from two angles;
First, external motivators are in the form of motivations that come from families and institutions. Second, the inner motivator comes from the self that acts as the most important factor in achieving the success of earning a degree. I intend in my heart to develop myself and seek knowledge simply because of obedience to God. Apart from that, I often pray that the children and students can emulate the nature of istiqamah and have a high commitment in seeking knowledge.
Respondent 5, Azizah Mat Rashid PhD Student, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, explains as follows:
Personally, I feel that PhD study in their respective fields is very necessary because it gives a person the opportunity to study and master their field knowledge more firmly.
This reinforcement can help in the formation of a professional personality that is confident, dynamic and charismatic. My main motivation for holding this PhD degree is the passion to equip myself with sound knowledge. I want to be competent and relevant to the needs of a profession that challenges intellectual ability. Apart from that, PhD studies are also driven by the encouragement given by immediate family members to continue their efforts to seek knowledge to a higher level. This is in line with the demands of religion which promises various advantages to people who seek knowledge.
Meanwhile, a respondent 6, Azizah Mohd Rapini PhD Student, University of Malaya, explained as follows:
For me, the importance of pursuing a PhD is because I want to deepen my expertise in the field I am involved in. In addition, I can also build skills in the field of research as well as contribute research results to relevant institutions. The main impetus for graduating came from the realization that this endeavour is a family dream in addition to meeting the needs of the department and faculty. The fact that this study was funded has made me eager to finish brilliantly in due course. This success provides satisfaction in the field of my career that I have been involved in for so long.
Respondent 7, Artini Haji Timbang, PhD Students, University of Brunei Darussalam, explained as follows:
The main reason I continued my PhD studies was because of job demands. After that I realized that it is important for academics to continue their studies and do research in their respective fields because it is a religious and social demand in my country. In this regard, I hope my study will be able to provide benefits in terms of knowledge, especially to the community in Brunei.
Faridah Haji Abang PhD Student, University of Brunei Darussalam, Respondent 8, explained as follows:
In my view, the need to continue studies at the PhD level is the expansion of knowledge from the undergraduate level to a higher level as a devotion to the nation. The strong encouragement I have received is from family members especially parents husband and children. In addition to friends who always give words of encouragement. If you look at my career as a high school teacher, there is no need to continue the PhD level but because of the dream since childhood then I continue this study even with my own financing as well as studying part time.
Azimah Mohd Masri PhD student, Universiti Utara Malaysia, respondent 9, explained the following:
I am continuing my PhD studies to further deepen my knowledge of expertise in the field I am involved in. The factor that drives me is the success of friends who have already succeeded.
Respondent 10, Mohamad Hafifi Hassim former Master student, Selangor International Islamic University College explained the following:
I feel the need to pursue a Master degree (postgraduate) is due to several factors. First, the interest factor to gain more knowledge by focusing on the field of interest. Second, industry demands and socio-economic factors. This is due to too many Bachelor graduates. The industry will move towards higher levels of education in the selection of candidates to fill vacancies. Third, the career path. There are some careers that require the candidate to have a master's or doctoral degree, such as a lecturer or financial advisor to a banking institution.
Respondent 11, Rahmahtunnisah Haji Sailin PhD student, Universiti Putra Malaysia explained her views:
In my opinion, PhD study is a mission to continue the search for knowledge systematically and in a guided manner. What is more, seeking that knowledge is a demand and an effort to gain God's pleasure. Improving the quality of academics is very important for the benefit of institutions students and society. Through my PhD studies as well, I have been able to improve the soft quality of myself through my research findings and PhD process experience.
If we look in depth at the feedback from the eleven (11) respondents above, the researcher can conclude that there are several factors related to the importance of continuing postgraduate studies. Among them is the awareness that gaining knowledge is a demand on everyone who is a servant of God, the awareness that the study conducted brings benefits to many parties and celebrates the advancement of the academic world so that the knowledge received and obtained has the opportunity to be disseminated. Apart from that, the view that to deepen knowledge with field theory and continue to seek knowledge systematically and in a guided manner, gives a person the opportunity to study and master knowledge more firmly, build skills in the field of research, due to job demands and career directions and to serve their citizen. While overall for almost all Respondents, namely ‘R1 - R11’, the main motivation to successfully roll the degree was contributed by the family who understood their situation and needs along the way through postgraduate studies.
Strengthening Strategies to Meet the Challenges of the Postgraduate New Millennium Education
The journey to acquiring your Degree is not one that is easy. What is for sure, thanks to the hope and reliance on the Almighty, at the end of the hard work as well as the bittersweet memories, awaits a satisfactory reward. The following are some of the initial questions that can serve as a yardstick for thoughtful prospective students before deciding to continue with their postgraduate studies: Should I take a PhD? Is it suitable for me? Am I willing to commit to the responsibilities that will be borne? What is my real goal?
Experiences throughout postgraduate studies become wonderful memories when remembered.
As a human being, it is our responsibility to seek knowledge at the highest level. True, a master’s degree or PhD is just one channel, but it is also almost a necessity for those involved in the highest academic and corporate management fields. In line with the latest developments in knowledge and aspects of knowledge, both aqli and naqli, various challenges are evolving around education. Challenges arising from content and values in the aspects of holistic education, the challenges of implementing education that are more inclusive and in line with the current advancement of technology, the challenges of preparation and readiness of the job market and such are among the various challenges that need to be addressed. This situation requires the combined strategy and strength of various parties, especially the educators students and the relevant authorities. This matter also involves postgraduate students organizing measures and strategies to deal with all future challenges and all that so when thinking that they too will be involved as the backbone in being leaders in various employment sectors.
Some examples of challenges that need to be addressed are as follows:
a) Challenges arising from content and values in the aspects of holistic education The content aspect means that the content presented in the student study will benefit the community out there according to their respective fields as the community is now facing various life problems either to meet the needs of life or to improve their standard of living.
Whether or not scholarly studies now meet current needs in terms of their content that can be applied in life, an increasingly complex life requires content that focuses on the solutions of community life to achieve high civilization, especially towards the Rabbani and Madani communities. With the content of the researchers introducing the community to the Rabb who created this world, or simply meet the requirements of postgraduate studies with approval only.
So, this is what needs to be considered in the content aspect of researchers while producing scholars. Allah SWT says in surah Ali-Imran: 7 which means "And those who have deep knowledge say," We believe in his word (Al-Quran), all from the side of Allah. No one can take lessons except sensible people.” This verse explains about the importance of seeking deep
knowledge. The word خسار in the verse uses لعافلا مسا which indicates that a knowledgeable person needs to seek deep knowledge, and this is the reason why postgraduate students need to continue their studies to a higher level so that they become reference experts to the community out there by becoming useful scholars with their knowledge, not just to acquire knowledge, but later to contribute it back to the community. And because of the research process, it makes us wise in thought and in understanding the words of God.
The previous 'ulama' have succeeded in bringing a value from their knowledge to solve the problems of the ummah at that time. Taking the example of the scholars of the Malay archipelago, the famous HAMKA contributed in various disciplines of science in accordance with the situation that prevailed then in the field of propaganda, leadership, politics, administration, the Islamic movement, the struggle for freedom, education, and not merely in pure literature (Yus'aiman Jusoh, 2019). It means that the involvement of postgraduate students in producing writing works in accordance with the current crisis in society is the main basis in the selection of content aspects, and can avoid producing works similar to previous studies, and merely copy them into new forms. Therefore, postgraduate students need to bring a high and sustainable value to the results of their studies and do not continue to regurgitate the same ideas from previous studies to get clear a higher education degree.
In addition to the content aspect, the value aspect as the holistic essence of education needs to be raised. Postgraduate students not only complete the content, but also the marketable values in their study. Value-based education is very important in addition to improving knowledge.
Because knowledge without value does not produce results that are beneficial to society. Like someone who has knowledge but would not share and utilize their knowledge to society almost always becomes detrimental to said society. This is the factor where we fail in the aspect of value education, but we succeed in producing postgraduate graduates with many bachelor's or doctoral degrees who are not able to add value to society, as well as themselves. This challenge that needs to be overcome by producing studies that can have a high impact on society based on problems that need solutions through scientific research and proper research methods. Many studies produced are not able to add value and solve problems through problem statements stated in postgraduate student studies because they do not measure problems with precise solutions.
Aspects of title selection, type of study, research methodology, data collection from the correct sample, as well as knowing how to analyze data using more accurate and appropriate instruments, thus producing good findings among several aspects that influence the content of research and its delivery. It is this challenge that causes many students to delay their studies or spend years completing their studies due to these factors. In such a situation, the role of the supervisor is to supervise the students by being the best ‘coach’ throughout their studies and they need to be understood and much as needed. Proper guidance will produce holistic content and validity in applying the findings of the study.
b) Challenges of implementing education that are more inclusive and in line with the current advancement of technology
The next challenge for postgraduate students is the implementation of more inclusive education. What is meant by inclusive? Summarizing gives a comprehensive meaning from various aspects to the perfect educational process. Many clusters occur because there is still an education system that is separate from religion and is only guided by a western view and studies that look only at numbers. It has nothing to do with Islam which provides guidance in every aspect of life. In Islam, everything is included in all human life as Allah SWT says in Surah
At-Tur: 56, meaning "I did not make the jinn and humans except to worship Me." So, the goal of this human life is as a servant who is obedient to Allah SWT. Their purpose is to know the Creator and to stay away from shirking him. Accordingly, the goal of postgraduate students in producing a good research should include the overall goals of life that are embedded in the planned education system from the lowest level to the highest level in order to achieve a clear understanding of this world.
In addition, postgraduate students also face challenges in meeting the current needs of technology. The Prophet SAW said: "Teach your children according to their time, because they live in their time and not in your time. Indeed, they were created for their time, while you were created for your time". That means that science is dynamic and not fixed, its existence adapts to current conditions and future life. This means that postgraduate students should also be sensitive to produce innovative and creative research. The new millennium has seen the need to master many technological tools. Here, students face the process of "adapt and adopt".
The "adapt" process is how to adapt to current technology. Students need to attend workshops or courses to manage this information system. Information systems need to be managed with technological knowledge that will facilitate their research, rather than bother them. The perception of the use of many troublesome technologies needs to be corrected. This is what we say we need to "adopt" with technology to solve our problems. For example, it is necessary to master the information software through the latest instruments, without separating it from existing methods manually. This is said to be integration in the achievement of information using technology.
c) Challenges of preparation and readiness of the job market
Challenges await postgraduate students when they complete their studies. They need to work to meet the needs of their lives by marketing the knowledge gained. So, back to their intention to continue their studies to the master's or doctoral level mostly because of academic needs and to improve their standard of living. The current economic challenges in various and certain sectors that do not require high certificates are very challenging for this group. There are many who have high qualifications and fail to get jobs that suits their qualifications. They have then to work not according to their field of qualification. Some become "food delivery agents" or work as gardeners or farmers or traders. Their knowledge is not utilized even if they spend a long time completing their research thesis. In the end, it is not beneficial to themselves and the community, although their studies are very much in line with current needs, but it did not get marketed well. In the end, it seems that their efforts to continue the postgraduate level was only in vain. This effort needs to be assisted by the government to market all available expertise to corporate fields that require results or findings from their studies. Provide an opportunity for them to work in the public or private sectors that can benefit from their expertise. The government should open the widest possible space to this group to assist the government in achieving the vision of a competitive country and produce high-level thinking in various sectors. In the same situation, postgraduates need to be prepared for all these possibilities by devising strategies in advance to get out of the unemployment crisis.
4. Conclusion
In line with the importance of postgraduate students as a group and undergraduates as administrators in the various agencies in the field of employment in the country, the challenges faced by them while facing the title of postgraduate students should be emphasized. As already discussed, among them are the challenges involving content that needs to be written in their research studies. Students need to be exposed to research design so that they can distinguish
between theories concepts or models of research. In addition, they need to be given a clear picture to state the problems related to their study. Many studies have a solution to the problem of the study but are not applied based on previous studies. Students need to identify the gaps in the previous study to generate new ideas, not the same ideas as previous studies and create rhetorical research alone. That is why they need to add value to their research work that has not been mentioned in previous studies. Next, students need to keep up with their knowledge in the use of technology to produce strong research findings and so have a high level of confidence and be able to market their ideas and its usability into products or produce something in a related industry. When an idea can be converted into the form of a product or any product that has a high market and economic value, it in turn solves the problems of the ummah, all challenges will initially turn sweet in the end. Such a situation is highly expected in the postgraduate research phase so that every postgraduate student is finally able to create success in facing the challenges of education in the new millennium today.
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