Describe a situation when you had to motivate yourself to achieve, without any prompting from family, friends, or others.
* Describe the situation (character limit 500)
In Indonesia, social scientists often underestimated because government research funding prefer to STEM subject. Therefore, social scientists must pivot and adapt to NGOs as alternative pathways. The struggle is translating academic work into advocacy-based research. I need to master grant writing proposals, policy brief writing, and advanced data collection to stay relevant. I realized that it was necessary to use NGO networks with donors to fund the research that the government overlooks.
* What actions did you take to motivate yourself? (character limit 750)
Motivated by this condition and desire to learn, I attend a policy brief writing course in 2023. Participating in this training highlighted the contrast between academic research and practical policy analysis. I am now focused on bridging this gap, moving beyond scientific writing to produce high-impact, concise policy briefs that offer immediate, effective solutions for stakeholders. Despite this dilemma, I also maintain my proficiency in applying for competitive government research grants. Even with the minimal funding available for social sciences relative to STEM, I stay dedicated to securing these resources to sustain and advance my academic research.
* What was the outcome? (character limit 500)
Over the past four years, my efforts in research and policy writing have yielded results, securing government funding for 2023, 2024, and 2025. However, fully integrating into the NGO sector remains a challenge, as most NGO's prefer PhD-level associate researchers. I am convinced that obtaining a doctoral degree is the essential next step to bridge this gap for engagement within the NGO landscape. I believe academics must engage in practice, specifically through active roles in NGOs.
* Describe the situation (character limit 500)
In Indonesia, social scientists often underestimated because government research funding prefer to STEM subject. Therefore, social scientists must pivot and adapt to NGOs as alternative pathways. The struggle is translating academic work into advocacy-based research. I need to master grant writing proposals, policy brief writing, and advanced data collection to stay relevant. I realized that it was necessary to use NGO networks with donors to fund the research that the government overlooks.
* What actions did you take to motivate yourself? (character limit 750)
Motivated by this condition and desire to learn, I attend a policy brief writing course in 2023. Participating in this training highlighted the contrast between academic research and practical policy analysis. I am now focused on bridging this gap, moving beyond scientific writing to produce high-impact, concise policy briefs that offer immediate, effective solutions for stakeholders. Despite this dilemma, I also maintain my proficiency in applying for competitive government research grants. Even with the minimal funding available for social sciences relative to STEM, I stay dedicated to securing these resources to sustain and advance my academic research.
* What was the outcome? (character limit 500)
Over the past four years, my efforts in research and policy writing have yielded results, securing government funding for 2023, 2024, and 2025. However, fully integrating into the NGO sector remains a challenge, as most NGO's prefer PhD-level associate researchers. I am convinced that obtaining a doctoral degree is the essential next step to bridge this gap for engagement within the NGO landscape. I believe academics must engage in practice, specifically through active roles in NGOs.
