Nisa and Her Childhood Dreams

Choosing a study program that resonated with her interests was a decisive choice for Annisa Mauliani after graduating high school. Although she had pondered the choice, she eventually enrolled in the UMS Informatics Engineering program in 2008.

We had the chance to catch up with Nisa amid her busy schedule. The Solo-born woman was deeply engaged in reminiscing about her childhood fascination with her father’s computer-savvy employees.

“I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and my father, a civil engineering graduate, happened to own a consulting firm. Every day, I see employees who are adept at operating computers. I was amazed and started thinking I wanted to learn computers. It was as simple as that,” Nisa explained.

Nisa has been living in Jakarta for nine years. Her journey led her to become a lecturer at various private universities in Jakarta, and she eventually settled down as an IT Project Manager in one of the private companies engaged in IT Consulting in Jakarta. Despite her stern appearance, Nisa happily shares her story of self-discovery spent in her hometown of Solo.

“In college, I befriended students majoring in Electrical Engineering, and somehow, I became acquainted with young lecturers in the engineering department, particularly in Informatics Engineering and Electrical Engineering. By my second year, I began participating in some of the lecturers’ projects, one of which stands out vividly in my memory. I had the opportunity to see the development of the IT network of Adi Sumarmo Solo Airport. If I remember correctly, I also served as a teaching assistant for four courses, namely Database Systems, Computer Networks, Algorithms and Programming, and Data Communication.”

In addition to concentrating on academics, Nisa nurtured her social and leadership skills through organizational activities at the Informatics Engineering Student Association (HIMATIF) UMS. Within HIMATIF, she became the  Coordinator of Social Community, actively participating in various activities within the association.

“Alhamdulillah, I was able to graduate on time in 2012. Reminiscing about my college days makes me suddenly remember an excellent figure, Husni Thamrin, M.T., Ph.D., my thesis supervisor who made it easy and helped me achieve my bachelor’s degree.”

When remembering Pak Husni, Nisa was captivated by his teaching methods in the Algorithm and Data Structure courses. His patience and clear explanations make Pak Husni a special lecturer in her eyes.

“Even though I had already earned my bachelor’s degree at that time, I didn't immediately decide to work. Without much hesitation, I decided to continue my studies at the master’s level. The good news is that I was accepted into the Computer Science program at UGM, which is part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.”

After earning her master's degree, Nisa tried her luck as a lecturer in the capital. Her first profession led her to be active in education for eight years.

“I have been an IT (Information and Technology) lecturer at the Universitas Terbuka Jakarta, Universitas Borobudur,  UNISMA Bekasi and Kwik Kian Gie School Of Business. I was recently promoted to Head of the IT Department at Kwik Kian Gie School Of Business.”

Taking on the role of the Head of the IT Department expanded Nisa’s horizons. She began participating in significant projects, including collaborations with the Ministry and Google Indonesia. “A good first step into the IT Industry,” she thought.

“After spending a significant amount of time in univeristy, from being a lecturer to the Head of the IT Department, I pondered what else I sought. Becoming a Dean? Becoming a Rector? Ah, I don’t think that’s where passion is. So, I decided to switch sides, transitioning from academia to the IT industry.”

Nisa started her first career in the IT industry as an IT Project Manager at PT Metrocom Global Solusi. In this role, she coordinated and led project governance. Nisa ensures that project activities run according to the established plan while actively reviewing management issues and risks that may arise.

“There, I handle several strategic projects, including four projects in the banking industry for the seven largest State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), one project for a telecommunications provider, and two others in the government sector (insurance and social security)," expressed the woman who is now residing in Jakarta.

Nisa began her career as a Professional IT Project Manager at IT Company Business Partner Consultant Astra Group. In her new role, Nisa manages projects primarily focused on application development.

“In my current role, I am responsible for managing projects for Astra Group, with a primary focus on application development. As an example, the application currently being developed is a mobile-based application on Android and IOS for one of the driving features,” explained Nisa.

Being involved in the IT industry feels like stepping into her own world for Nisa. Her childhood dream of simply being able to operate a computer has now been fully realized.

“I am truly grateful that during my studies, there were several courses that could be implemented. One example is Database. In the IT world, whatever you do (applications, networks, and so on), databases are always utilized,” said the woman who has been involved in IT for more than 11 years.

Now, doing good to anyone and in any situation has become Nisa’s motto in her life in Jakarta. The industrial world shapes a mindset and habits that are very different from the academic world. Therefore, adaptation becomes a crucial weapon to face every challenge and failure in life.

“If, in the process, we fall, it’s okay, as long as we can rise to continue living. That principle is what strengthens and has brought me to this point.”

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid