How Bangkit Guided Zahra from University to the Fintech Industry
A Story of Alfi Zahra Hafizhah, Bangkit 2021 Graduate from Management Information Systems, Universitas Telkom
What if your tech journey started not in a classroom but on a screen, through a Korean drama? For Alfi Zahra Hafizhah (25), a middle school obsession with K-dramas soon sparked a deep curiosity about futuristic technologies portrayed on screen. That unusual yet powerful curiosity set her on a path that would take her to a data analyst position at a top fintech company. In a world where most tech stories start with code, hers began with storytelling.
As the only child of supportive parents who championed independence and higher education, Zahra carved her unconventional way into the tech world. Her quiet determination and drive to learn eventually led her to Bangkit, a transformative career readiness program initiated by Google. What she found there wasn’t just technical training but a network of passionate individuals, clarity of purpose, and a professional future she never imagined possible.
Inspired to Explore Technology Through Korean Dramas
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As an only child born in Padang, Sumatra Barat, in 2000, Zahra grew up with a quiet but robust support system. Her father worked as an auditor, while her mother was a retired lecturer. Rather than imposing strict expectations, her parents offered her one simple, empowering philosophy: be an educated, independent woman who can earn her living and build a settled life on her terms.
In middle school, a surprising influence shaped Zahra’s journey: Korean dramas. What started as casual entertainment became inspiration when she stumbled upon a futuristic drama that sparked her curiosity about technology. That intrigue stuck with her, and by the time she entered high school, Zahra was already exploring IT, though she hadn’t yet decided which area to specialize in.
When choosing a major, Zahra enrolled at Universitas Telkom to study Information Systems—a perfect blend of IT and business. “I didn’t want to be too tied down to the technical side,” she explained. “This major allowed me to explore both worlds.”
Met the Career-Driven Individuals in Bangkit
During her university years, Zahra encountered Bangkit, a career readiness program initiated by Google and supported by GoTo and Traveloka. She discovered the opportunity through her university portal and was instantly drawn to it, especially the Machine Learning path. At the time, Zahra had become increasingly fascinated with data and saw Bangkit as a chance to dive deeper.
In 2021, Zahra was accepted into the Bangkit program under the Machine Learning path. Driven by her goals, she set a personal target to study daily, often from morning to night, to keep up with the program’s rigorous curriculum.
Her time in Bangkit overlapped with some compelling in-person classes at her university, particularly those related to system development in business. Juggling university lectures and Bangkit’s intensive online coursework was no small feat, but Zahra balanced both worlds with determination and discipline. “It wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “But I was committed to making it work.”
What kept her going was the thrill of learning alongside like-minded individuals from across the country. “Before Bangkit, I spent a lot of time in campus organizations and didn’t get much exposure to people with strong professional passions,” she said. “Bangkit changed that. I met people who knew what they wanted in Machine Learning, which motivated me.”
Bangkit Opened Zahra’s Career Doors
Beyond technical training, Bangkit provided Zahra with crucial soft skills and English language development. These sessions, she said, helped her understand herself better and boosted her confidence. They also encouraged her to apply for the Stanford University Innovation Fellows program, which expanded her professional network globally.
Before Bangkit, Zahra’s interest in data was general and exploratory. After the program, however, her direction became clear. She discovered a passion for data analysis and data engineering—fields that merged her analytical mindset with real-world impact. Equally important, her English improved dramatically, a skill she uses daily in her work.
Bangkit didn’t just sharpen her skills—it opened career doors. Soon after graduating from the program, Zahra landed a data analyst internship at Harian Kompas, one of Indonesia’s leading media outlets. From there, she stepped into a full-time role as a Junior Data Analyst at Barito Technologies Group.
“What I learned in Bangkit was directly applicable to my work,” she said. “It gave me the foundation I needed.”
“Only Us Can Decide Where Our Passion Lies”
Today, Zahra is a Data Analyst at Fazz, a financial technology platform that empowers micro and small enterprises. She credits her success to the knowledge and mindset she built in Bangkit. “Data processing skills I learned in Bangkit still help me in my job today,” she shared.
When asked about the most influential class in her professional journey, Zahra doesn’t hesitate. “Machine Learning with Python changed everything for me,” she said. “Before Bangkit, I didn’t understand Python at all. But since most data work involves Python, learning it in Bangkit was a turning point.”
As a young woman who has successfully navigated the male-dominated tech world and thrived in national and international workplaces, Zahra is passionate about encouraging other women to follow their paths. “There will be people who suggest that women in IT should focus on the business side,” she said. “But only you can decide where your passion lies.”
Her advice to other women pursuing careers in tech? “Never feel inferior just because most of your colleagues are men. If you’re passionate, capable, and serious about what you do, there’s no reason you can’t succeed.”
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