Stepping Into the World of Technology Through Curiosity
A Story of Dzarr Al-Ghifari, Bangkit 2022 Graduate from Information Systems, Universitas Gunadarma
Dzarr Al-Ghifari (25) is a young man born and raised in Kabupaten Bogor. Both of his parents are retired private sector employees. As the second of two siblings, Dzarr was raised believing that every action today lays the foundation for the future. Little did he know that his childhood curiosity would unexpectedly shape his career path.
How was Dzarr's journey paving the way for his future career? Let’s read the whole story!
Without formal instruction, Dzarr began experimenting. He examined existing code, deleted parts, modified sections, and observed how the output changed. This hands-on approach became his unique method of learning to code. He was not merely following tutorials; he was uncovering the logic behind programming through trial and error.
Despite his passion for technology, Dzarr found himself on an unlikely academic path. He attended SMAN 3 Bogor, one of the most prestigious high schools in the area, but was placed in the Social Sciences (IPS) track instead of Science.
However, his passion for technology never wavered. Determined to follow his interests, Dzarr enrolled in the Information Systems program at Universitas Gunadarma in 2018. This decision marked the beginning of his structured education in technology.
Dzarr’s turning point came in 2021 when he joined Bangkit, an intensive tech education program supported by leading industry players like Google, GoTo, and Traveloka. What drew him in was the Cloud Computing track—an area he was eager to explore.
His time at Bangkit was not without challenges. The program required full-time commitment, and participants were discouraged from working simultaneously.
Balancing a rigorous academic program with work was demanding. There were days Dzarr barely slept, juggling university assignments, freelance projects, and Bangkit's extensive coursework. Fortunately, the agency where he worked was supportive, allowing him to prioritize learning while maintaining his job.
After investing over 900 hours in Bangkit, Dzarr developed a deep understanding of Cloud Computing and valuable industry-ready skills. The program provided insights not typically covered in his university curriculum, giving him a competitive edge in the job market.
His experience with Bangkit was crucial when he applied for a Software Engineer Trainee position at PT Aero Systems Indonesia, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia. During the interview, his portfolio—built with projects from Bangkit—stood out. The foundational knowledge he gained from Bangkit aligned perfectly with the company’s technical requirements, ultimately contributing to his success in the hiring process.
Reflecting on his journey, Dzarr has key takeaways for those looking to follow in his footsteps. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity. Being open to exploring new concepts and experimenting with code drove his learning process.
Second, he advises aspiring developers to maintain a positive attitude toward learning. The process can be overwhelming, and frustration can be discouraging, but approaching challenges with a sense of enjoyment makes all the difference.
Attended Social Sciences in High School Didn’t Stop Dzarr from Pursuing Tech Degree
Dzarr’s fascination with computers started early. At home, an old Pentium computer became his playground. Initially, like many kids his age, he used it for gaming. However, playing games alone no longer satisfied his curiosity as time passed. His relentless exploration led him to stumble upon lines of code—complex and mysterious—but he felt intrigued instead of intimidated.Without formal instruction, Dzarr began experimenting. He examined existing code, deleted parts, modified sections, and observed how the output changed. This hands-on approach became his unique method of learning to code. He was not merely following tutorials; he was uncovering the logic behind programming through trial and error.
Despite his passion for technology, Dzarr found himself on an unlikely academic path. He attended SMAN 3 Bogor, one of the most prestigious high schools in the area, but was placed in the Social Sciences (IPS) track instead of Science.
However, his passion for technology never wavered. Determined to follow his interests, Dzarr enrolled in the Information Systems program at Universitas Gunadarma in 2018. This decision marked the beginning of his structured education in technology.
Juggling Between Bangkit and Working
In 2019, Dzarr’s learning experience changed when he joined the Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS) program, where he explored Android development. His thirst for knowledge led him to discover Dicoding, a platform offering various tech-related courses. Through Dicoding, he gained valuable skills, further strengthening his foundation in digital technology.Dzarr’s turning point came in 2021 when he joined Bangkit, an intensive tech education program supported by leading industry players like Google, GoTo, and Traveloka. What drew him in was the Cloud Computing track—an area he was eager to explore.
His time at Bangkit was not without challenges. The program required full-time commitment, and participants were discouraged from working simultaneously.
“Both of my parents retired, and finances became a concern. I finally took up freelance work as a Web Developer at an agency to support myself,” he said.
Growing in Bangkit Through Its Hands-On Learning Approach
Despite the difficulties, the experience was enriching. One of the highlights of Dzarr’s time in Bangkit was participating in a real-world capstone project with Traveloka. He worked with a team to solve actual industry problems, gaining hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, and effective communication—skills that proved invaluable in his professional career.After investing over 900 hours in Bangkit, Dzarr developed a deep understanding of Cloud Computing and valuable industry-ready skills. The program provided insights not typically covered in his university curriculum, giving him a competitive edge in the job market.
His experience with Bangkit was crucial when he applied for a Software Engineer Trainee position at PT Aero Systems Indonesia, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia. During the interview, his portfolio—built with projects from Bangkit—stood out. The foundational knowledge he gained from Bangkit aligned perfectly with the company’s technical requirements, ultimately contributing to his success in the hiring process.
"Overthinking the Complexity of Learning Can Kill Your Curiosity."
Today, as a Software Engineer at PT Aero Systems Indonesia, Dzarr leverages his cloud computing expertise in web development. His proficiency with Google Cloud has significantly streamlined his workflow, making him a sought-after developer. His career trajectory also includes a stint as a Front-End Developer Intern at Astra Financial, an experience that enriched his technical and professional capabilities.Reflecting on his journey, Dzarr has key takeaways for those looking to follow in his footsteps. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity. Being open to exploring new concepts and experimenting with code drove his learning process.
Second, he advises aspiring developers to maintain a positive attitude toward learning. The process can be overwhelming, and frustration can be discouraging, but approaching challenges with a sense of enjoyment makes all the difference.
“Sometimes, overthinking the complexity of learning can kill your curiosity,” he says. “Keep it fun, and don’t stress too much about the hurdles.”
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