“Bangkit Prepared Me for a Career in Data Science at a State-Owned Company”


A Story of Nabiilah Nuur Ainii, Bangkit 2021 Graduate from Informatics, Universitas Islam Indonesia

Nabiilah Nuur Ainii (25) never imagined that a conversation with her father would change the course of her future. Growing up in Bandung, she had always enjoyed mathematics but lacked a clear vision of what she wanted to pursue professionally.

It wasn’t until her father, a programmer, shared his insights on the growing demand for tech professionals that she began considering a career in technology. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to Bangkit, a program that would become a turning point in her life.

Through Bangkit, Nabiilah discovered her passion for Machine Learning, a field she had never explored at university. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a full-fledged career path, equipping her with the technical skills, industry connections, and confidence to secure a role as a Data Scientist at PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

However, her journey didn’t stop there—driven by a desire to give back, she returned to Bangkit as a mentor, helping aspiring tech professionals find their way, just as she had. Let’s read Nabiilah’s full story!

Inspired by Her Father, Nabiilah Developed a Keen Interest in Technology


Nabiilah was born in 2000 in Surabaya and raised in Bandung as the eldest of three siblings. Growing up, she had unwavering support from her parents—her mother, a homemaker, and her father, a programmer. Her father’s tech career subtly influenced her aspirations, though she was initially unsure about her future.

During high school at SMAN 1 Cisarua, Nabiilah was drawn to mathematics, which she considered logical and intriguing. However, she lacked a clear vision of what she wanted to pursue professionally. Her father’s insights into the promising future of technology guided her toward a path she had not initially considered.
“Technology is evolving rapidly,” her father told her. “The future belongs to those who can adapt to it.”
This conversation and her research into industry trends led Nabiilah to enroll in the Informatics program at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). While studying at UII, she discovered Bangkit, an independent learning program under Kampus Merdeka designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills.
“What attracted me to Bangkit was its Machine Learning track,” she shared. “Unlike most boot camps, Bangkit offers a structured, high-quality learning experience, hands-on projects, and industry-led instruction.”
Machine Learning intrigued Nabiilah, especially since her father had emphasized its growing significance. Additionally, she had just begun exploring data science in her university coursework, which made Bangkit a timely and valuable opportunity.

Bangkit: A Hectic Yet Rewarding Journey


Once accepted into Bangkit, Nabiilah quickly realized she had entered an advanced and intensive learning environment. The technical depth of the curriculum challenged her, but the program also provided crucial soft skills training, fostering her confidence in communication and collaboration.
“The technical training was incredible, but what stood out was the emphasis on soft skills. We learned how to manage time effectively, collaborate in teams, and present our ideas persuasively,” she explained. “These skills are just as essential as technical expertise in the workplace.”
While the coursework was rigorous and time-consuming, she effectively balanced her studies at Bangkit, her university coursework, and her participation in student organizations by applying time-management strategies she learned from the program.
“Bangkit was a hectic yet rewarding journey. The workload was intense, but with proper time management, I could stay on track.”
One of the most valuable aspects of Bangkit for Nabiilah was the access to top-tier instructors from leading tech companies. She also enjoyed collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds across Indonesia.
“Data Science wasn’t the main focus in my university—we primarily studied web and Android development. However, through Bangkit, I gained hands-on experience with Deep Learning, something I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.”

Finding Her True Calling in Data Science


Before joining Bangkit, Nabiilah was uncertain about her career path. However, her experience in the program became a turning point.
“Before Bangkit, I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do. However, after completing the program, I knew I wanted to work in the Data field,” she said.
Her newfound clarity and enhanced skill set soon led to an internship opportunity at PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), where she worked as a Data Scientist Intern for six months. During this time, she utilized Deep Learning to process and analyze the company's social media data, applying the skills she had acquired from Bangkit.
“The knowledge I gained from Bangkit helped me immensely in my internship,” she reflected. “The Deep Learning module, in particular, was extremely relevant.”
Upon completing her internship, PT KAI recognized the value of Nabiilah’s expertise and offered her a full-time position as an outsourced Data Scientist. However, she completed her thesis before committing to the role.

As a Data Scientist at PT KAI, Nabiilah is responsible for processing data from various departments, including infrastructure, finance, and human resources. Her work involves cleaning and structuring data to facilitate informed decision-making within the company.
“My role is to transform raw data into meaningful insights that help PT KAI make better business decisions,” she explained.

Inspire Women in Tech Never to Stop Learning


Despite her full-time role, Nabiilah remains passionate about giving back to the program that shaped her career. In 2022, she returned to Bangkit as a Machine Learning Facilitator, mentoring new participants and guiding them through their learning journey.
“I wanted to contribute to Bangkit because it gave me so many opportunities,” she said. “Being a facilitator allowed me to share my experiences and help others navigate their paths.”
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Nabiilah acknowledges many women's challenges in pursuing tech careers. However, she firmly believes that gender should never be a barrier to success.
“To all aspiring women in tech—never stop learning. Knowledge is your greatest asset, and what you learn today will benefit you in the future,” she advised. “Even though women are still a minority in tech, the industry is open to anyone with the passion and perseverance to succeed.”

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