“Before You Can Thrive as a Tech Talent, It’s Important to Master the Basics”


A Story of Zulfikar Pramadhana, Bangkit 2023 Batch 2 Graduate from Computer Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Long before he joined one of the world’s leading tech giants, Zulfikar Pramadhana (24) was just a curious boy in Yogyakarta, tinkering with his late father’s laptop and exploring the inner workings of software. Raised in a humble household by batik entrepreneurs in Pasar Beringharjo, Zulfikar learned early on that success doesn’t come easy—and that self-reliance is key. These values, passed down by his parents, became the compass that guided him through challenges both personal and academic.

That same compass pointed him toward Bangkit, a transformative career readiness program backed by Google, GoTo, and Traveloka. While many students saw Bangkit as a stepping stone, for Zulfikar, it became a launchpad, equipping him with the technical skills to thrive in AI and the confidence to aim high. Just months after completing the program, he landed a coveted role as an AI Engineer at Samsung R&D Institute Indonesia, proving that a strong foundation and relentless drive can take you far.

Raised to Be Self-Reliant


Born in 2001 as the second of two children, Zulfikar was raised in a household that valued hard work above all. His late father, a batik trader in Pasar Beringharjo, instilled in him a deep appreciation for perseverance and independence—values that would later become the cornerstones of his career.
“My parents taught me that if I want something, I need to work for it,” Zulfikar recalls. “Life doesn’t always feel good, and you can’t depend on others all the time. You have to be reliable for yourself.”
This philosophy guided Zulfikar through his early fascination with technology. As a child, he often borrowed his father’s laptop, experimenting with operating systems, poking around applications, and satisfying his curiosity through trial and error. This hands-on engagement with computers eventually led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

Joined Bangkit Because of Its Strong Reputation


While studying at UGM, Zulfikar encountered a program gaining traction among his seniors—Bangkit, an intensive career readiness program initiated by Google and supported by GoTo and Traveloka. Implemented as part of Kampus Merdeka’s Independent Study scheme under Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Bangkit stood out for its reputation and unique approach to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.
“Bangkit was well-known on campus,” Zulfikar says. “I saw how many alumni joined it and knew it had a solid track record. It was more than just a course—it was a launchpad.”
In 2023, Zulfikar enrolled in Bangkit and selected the Machine Learning (ML) learning path. While the technical theory wasn’t unfamiliar thanks to his academic background, what made Bangkit exceptional for him was the hands-on experience. He encountered the practical realities of building scalable technology solutions through projects using TensorFlow, collaborative capstone assignments, and cross-track integration with Cloud Computing and Mobile Development.

One of the highlights of his experience was developing a mental health chatbot during the capstone project. “It was the first time I applied ML in a way that could truly help people,” he reflects. “That sense of purpose drove me.”

Landed a Job at Samsung R&D Institute Indonesia


At the time, Zulfikar’s plate was full. He was writing his undergraduate thesis, serving as a Research Assistant and Programmer for a university project, and learning full-time at Bangkit. It demanded sacrifice, especially sleep.
“I had to stay up from night until dawn just to juggle everything,” he admits. “It wasn’t easy, but I knew what I was working toward.”
Despite the challenges, Zulfikar found that Bangkit didn’t just prepare him technically—it shaped him holistically. The program’s soft skills training improved his communication abilities and interview confidence. He also benefited from Bangkit’s English training, which helped him achieve a high TOEFL score, a critical advantage in global workplaces.

Equipped with this blend of technical prowess and professional polish, Zulfikar applied for a position as an AI Engineer at Samsung R&D Institute Indonesia and landed the position.
“I wouldn’t have been as confident in the interview if it weren’t for Bangkit,” he says. “The ‘Mathematics for Machine Learning’ course, particularly, helped a lot. It reinforced my fundamentals and showed me how theory supports real-world solutions.”

“Mastering the Basics Matters”


At Samsung, Zulfikar is part of the team behind Developer Galaxy AI, a suite of artificial intelligence features integrated into Samsung’s ecosystem. His team works on Neural Machine Translation, Automatic Speech Recognition, and Text-to-Speech technologies that empower people to communicate seamlessly across languages using AI.
“Working in research demands strong fundamentals,” Zulfikar explains. “Bangkit’s focus on core knowledge, especially in mathematics and ML theory, helped me immensely in this role.”
Looking back on his journey, Zulfikar is clear about what aspiring digital talents should prioritize. “Before you dive into all the innovations, master the basics,” he advises. “You can’t innovate effectively without a solid understanding of theory. The stronger your foundation, the farther you can go.”

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