From Accounting to Employee Services: A Journey in Diverse Roles

When I graduated from Jakarta State University with an Accounting degree, I envisioned a path that would lead me straight into the world of finance and administration. However, reality is often more complex. My first job at a government institution was not what I expected. Initially, I was assigned to the unit that served migrant workers, where my role involved handling disputes, departure documents, and migrant worker insurance claims. Despite my university-acquired accounting knowledge, I had to learn by doing to adapt to the specific needs of the unit.

It was only after several years that I was given tasks related to finance administration, though these were more supplementary roles rather than the primary focus. This experience taught me that often, our educational background serves as a foundation, but continuous learning and adaptability are key to career growth.

The Diverse Path of Civil Engineering and Professional Engineering Career

My educational journey took a turn towards Civil Engineering. I have built a solid career in consulting, primarily focusing on traffic engineering. This field has provided me with extensive experience in design, planning, and research. I even earned a Professional Engineer (PE) license and also a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification. With these qualifications, I have worked on many notable projects, which kept me engaged and motivated. Although I do not earn a six-figure salary, my income is quite good for the field, reflecting the steady demand for engineers with specific expertise.

Gaining these professional certifications and working in the field has been incredibly enriching. However, the road to professional recognition was not always smooth. My employer did not leverage my new qualifications, which presented a challenge. Despite this, my side hustle in consulting has given me the opportunity to assist others, even as a passion project. My continued interest in helping others and my engineering background have complemented each other, helping me stay interested in my work.

A Minor in English: Pursuing a Passion Amidst a Diverse Professional Background

While pursuing my engineering career, I also made progress in minor English classes, a field that has always been my true passion. Initially, the opportunity to study English went unnoticed, as I did not see a clear path to a career in writing. However, I eventually earned a minor in English, which has enabled me to turn my passion into a side hustle.

The journey of writing has been a continuous source of fulfillment. Through my minor, I have been able to publish poetry, short stories, essays, and articles in more than 200 publications. While I still await a book deal, I remain optimistic that such an opportunity will come. Throughout this process, I often reflect on whether focusing solely on writing might have been the right choice. Yet, I believe my work in consulting engineering has broadened my thinking and perspectives, providing me with a unique set of skills and experiences that I would not have otherwise encountered.

Every degree and career path comes with its own set of challenges. These experiences shape us and prepare us for various situations. My journey has taught me the value of a diverse educational background and the importance of embracing new opportunities. Whether in finance, engineering, or writing, each degree can lead to unforeseen paths and opportunities.