Thriving as a Female Tech Talent in a Leading State-Owned Bank
A Story of Aulia Nurrahma Rosanti Paidja, Bangkit 2021 Graduate from Informatics Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya
Growing up as the only child, Aulia Nurrahma Rosanti Paidja (25) was expected to follow a predictable path—study finance and eventually pursue a career in the industry that shaped her father’s life. However, Aulia had a different vision. Drawn to logic, data, and the thrill of solving problems, she boldly veered off course and chose to study Informatics Engineering at Universitas Brawijaya. Her decision was not only unexpected—it was questioned. Coming from a traditional family that viewed technology as a male-dominated domain, Aulia’s choice stirred skepticism.
Yet those doubts only fueled her determination. At a time when most would have played it safe, Aulia leaned into uncertainty, pushing herself even further by joining Bangkit, a prestigious career readiness program backed by Google, GoTo, and Traveloka. What began as a leap of faith soon evolved into a transformative experience that shaped her into a resilient and capable software engineer now thriving at Bank Mandiri. Her story is not just about mastering code; it’s about challenging assumptions, finding purpose through data, and proving that talent knows no gender.
Breaking Through Family Skepticism
Aulia was born into a family rooted in financial tradition in Surabaya. Her father is a hotel's financial controller, while her mother dedicated herself to raising Aulia as a full-time homemaker. As the only child, Aulia was expected to follow in her father’s footsteps, pursuing a future in finance. However, Aulia had a different vision for herself, eventually positioning her as a rising female tech talent.
From an early age, Aulia displayed a quiet confidence and a deep curiosity for innovation. When choosing her university major, she took a bold step away from expectations and enrolled in Informatics Engineering at Universitas Brawijaya. Her decision was met with skepticism, especially from her extended family. In their eyes, technology was a man’s world, and women were often seen as lacking the logic necessary to thrive in such a demanding field.
“They doubted I could succeed in tech because I’m a woman,” Aulia recalled. “However, I was determined to prove them wrong.”
Fascinated by Data, Aulia Chose to Enroll in Bangkit
Aulia’s college years were marked by a drive to learn and grow beyond the classroom. During this time, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend introduced her to Bangkit, an industry-driven career readiness program initiated by Google and supported by GoTo and Traveloka. The program’s reputation for high-quality tech education and its online delivery format made it a perfect fit for Aulia.
Encouraged by her lecturers and fueled by curiosity, Aulia applied to Bangkit in 2021 and chose the Machine Learning path. Her choice was rooted in a passion for data, an exciting and intellectually rewarding field.
“Analyzing data feels like solving a puzzle,” she explained. “And I knew studying Machine Learning would also help me with my thesis.”
“At university, we follow a strict curriculum. However, in Bangkit, I could explore independently and apply what I learned through hands-on projects.”
Achieved Many After Bangkit
In Bangkit, the most surprising challenge for Aulia was not the Machine Learning material—it was the soft skills training. As someone naturally introverted, Aulia found it challenging to speak up and collaborate in team settings. However, Bangkit pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“The soft skills sessions were the hardest part for me,” she admitted. “But they were also the most valuable. I learned how to communicate, how to network, and how to present myself professionally.”
After completing Bangkit, Aulia emerged as a stronger tech professional and a confident job seeker. The knowledge she had gained was instrumental in completing her thesis, while the soft skills helped her craft a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile. One of the standout achievements from her Bangkit experience was passing the TensorFlow Developer (TFD) Certification exam—a global credential that set her apart in a competitive job market.
Becoming a Software Engineer at Bank Mandiri
Earning the TFD certification proved to be Aulia’s turning point. When applying for the Officer Development Program in IT (ODP IT) at Bank Mandiri, Aulia highlighted her TensorFlow credentials and her experience in Bangkit. It was a strategic move that paid off.
“The interviewer was impressed that I was a certified TensorFlow Developer,” Aulia said. “It gave me a significant edge.”
Her role marks a notable transition from data-focused work to software engineering. Aulia credits her Bangkit training, particularly in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), for making that shift smooth. “Bangkit gave me the foundational programming skills I needed to move confidently into software engineering.”
“Women’s Voices Matter.”
“There are times when I feel my opinions don’t carry much weight,” she shared. “But I’ve learned that people will listen if we keep speaking up and advocating for ourselves. Women’s voices matter.”
As she looks to the future, Aulia hopes to continue growing in her role, mentoring other young women in tech, and contributing to a more inclusive digital ecosystem in Indonesia. Her story is a powerful reminder that the possibilities are limitless when women are empowered to learn, lead, and innovate.
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