A Woman in Tech Who Challenges Herself to Keep Growing
A Story of Thingkilia Finnatia Husin, Bangkit 2021 Graduate from Computer Science, Universitas Multi Data Palembang
“Perseverance is the foundation of success” is a core value that Thingkilia Finnatia Husin (25) firmly upholds. The girl from Palembang, Southern Sumatra, was raised in a household with that guiding principle.
Thingkilia is the third of four siblings. Her father is a dedicated entrepreneur in the local delicacy business, and her mother is a housewife. They instill in her a deep-rooted belief: "Effort always precedes results, and results are merely rewards for the labor put forth."
This philosophy guided Thingkilia throughout her formative years, pushing her to excel academically and participate in numerous competitions. Her dedication to learning was evident, as she consistently ranked among the top students in her school.
Discovering a Passion for Tech Early
From an early age, Thingkilia contemplated her future, knowing that her passion lay in Mathematics and Science. The results of various psychological tests reinforced her interest in Informatics and Psychology. However, her heart gravitated toward technology, a passion nurtured by her love for design and her knack for using Photoshop to aid her parents’ business.
Thingkilia’s curiosity led her to explore beyond the confines of her classroom. The school’s computer lessons introduced her to HTML, Photoshop, and animation, which only fueled her enthusiasm for the digital world.
"I always enjoyed tinkering with design and coding. It felt like a space where I could create and innovate without limits," she said.
Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Android Development
During this challenging period, Thingkilia’s parents became her pillars of strength. They reminded her that life is not a race against others but a journey of personal growth.
"They told me, ‘We all have our timelines. You’re not behind; you’re exactly where you must be.’ That changed my perspective completely."
Once her health stabilized, Thingkilia enrolled at Universitas Multi Data Palembang, majoring in Computer Science. She embraced the ever-evolving world of technology, recognizing the importance of continuous learning to stay relevant in the industry.
By her third semester, Thingkilia expanded her horizons by joining Dicoding, an online platform where she delved into Android development. Juggling multiple learning avenues, she actively sought to refine her skills.
The Life-Changing Experience at Bangkit
Through her relentless pursuit of knowledge, Thingkilia learned about Bangkit, a prestigious program initiated by Google as part of Indonesia’s Kampus Merdeka initiative. The program immediately caught her attention by offering conversion credits and global-standard training. With the encouragement of her professors, she applied, eager to challenge herself beyond her university’s boundaries.
Choosing the Mobile Development (Android) learning path was easy, as Thingkilia had already immersed herself in the field since her first year. She saw Bangkit as the perfect opportunity to elevate her Android development skills to an industry-standard level.
"Bangkit was more than just a program; it was a gateway to my future. I knew it could open doors that I never imagined."
The challenge of managing these projects simultaneously tested her limits. Still, Thingkilia found solace in the time management strategies she had learned in Bangkit—prioritization, task segmentation, and the effective use of digital tools like Google Calendar.
Her perseverance bore fruit. Bangkit was not just an academic endeavor; it became a transformative experience. Thingkilia gained technical proficiency in Android development through the program, earning the globally recognized Associate Android Developer (AAD) certification, which propelled her confidence. Additionally, she graduated with distinction, an honor reserved for the top-performing students of the program.
Landing a Role at GoTo Financial
Yet, Bangkit’s impact extended beyond technical expertise. It equipped Thingkilia with essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and interview preparation. The mock interviews provided by Bangkit played a pivotal role when she applied for a position at GoTo Financial. The training ensured she was well-prepared, ultimately leading to her successful employment as an Associate Software Engineer.
"When I had my interview at GoTo Financial, I was very nervous because I had experienced multiple interview failures in the past. Those failures motivated me to prepare more thoroughly for this opportunity. Through hard work and prayer, I secured a position at my current company."
Mentoring the Next Generation in Bangkit
Despite her professional achievements, Thingkilia remains deeply connected to the community that shaped her. She dedicates time to mentoring aspiring developers in Bangkit and giving back to the program that transformed her life.
Her motivation stems from inspiring others, especially young women aspiring to enter the tech industry. Thingkilia understands the challenges of being a minority in a male-dominated field but firmly believes that gender should never be a barrier to success.
Her message to aspiring digital talents, especially women, is clear:"Women in tech are growing. The support system is stronger than ever. Girls support girls, and many male allies uplift us as well."
"Do not compare your timeline with others; everyone has their journey. Focus on being a better version of yourself each day. And most importantly, never let societal norms dictate your potential."
Comments
Post a Comment