Elis, Hafsa, and Muhammad are three of around 400 students who joined Samsung Innovation Campus in Indonesia to hone their coding and programming skills, moving closer towards their dream of becoming IT specialists. We spoke with each of these students to understand how they have been participating in Samsung Innovation Campus and what they have learned.

Q. How did you first come across SIC?

Elis: I have always been keen on learning something new like coding, which I believe is one of the required skills for today’s workforce; applying to Samsung Innovation Campus was the first step I needed to take in order to equip myself with the skills for the job I really want.

Hafsa: My teacher recommended the program to me. At first, I was scared because I had no basic programming knowledge but accepted the invitation knowing the value of the program and the opportunities it could create for me.

Muhammad: Samsung Innovation Campus caught my attention because it was the perfect opportunity to increase my knowledge, insight, and skills in the technology fields that I want to work in one day.

Q. What were your expectations of the program? What do you enjoy most about attending SIC?

Elis: At first, I was very nervous. But this feeling was quickly replaced with motivation on my first day of training. My mentors changed my mindset and convinced me to believe in my abilities and determination. Throughout the course, I enjoy the discussions with my fellow students and mentors who gave me great guidance.

Hafsa: I was thrilled to receive training and to be able to create a solution that can help my community at the end of the program. The program has boosted my confidence and I really enjoy working with my colleagues, experiencing team spirit.

Muhammad: My dream is to develop my technical skills in order to tackle societal problems. On my first day, I was able to experience exactly this, as we were asked to identify societal problems and come up with solutions to resolve them.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Samsung Innovation Campus?

Elis: Identifying and solving problems. The program has helped me become more aware of current issues, how to analyze them and propose meaningful solutions. The guidance I receive from the mentors is very insightful and helpful.

Hafsa: Definitely the UI/UX training. As part of the training, we had to design a solution to a problem. However, the design I created was below my own expectation. My mentor encouraged me to keep making improvements and gave me constructive advice and examples that I can refer to. He’s provided valuable lessons and experiences that can help me become a professional UI/UX designer in the future.

Muhammad: My favorite part is communicating with experts from different fields. Not only do they teach us new skills but help us see problems from different perspectives.

Q. You built your own IT solution during the program. How was the experience?

Elis: I created an app with my team. The biggest lesson learned was the importance of communicating. I became an active listener, provided mutual support, and trusted the team. Like body parts, everyone had their own roles while collectively working as a whole. This lesson will help me when I work as a team in a company.

Hafsa: I learned the responsibility of a job: taking on a realistic approach and reacting timeously to the different phases of the project. The act of perseverance that I learned will be something of value at work.

Muhammad: It was teamwork that helped me nurture tolerance and patience when dealing with different issues. Together, we can develop a solution to every problem that we identify or that comes our way.

Q. How will your experience at Samsung Innovation Campus help you in the job market?

Elis: I am grateful for having gained new experiences and knowledge. I believe that all of the soft and hard skills I have acquired through the program will serve me well in the future.

Hafsa: Knowledge in coding and UI/UX skills will be critical in securing job opportunities. Also, I will be able to speak with better delivery and clarity at an interview.

Muhammad: The technical skills that we have acquired will be of great value to me in the job market.

Q. What are your long-term and short-term goals?

Elis: My dream is to become a web developer so that I can create applications that will help increase job opportunities for Indonesians. But first I’ll have to successfully graduate from Samsung Innovation Campus and school as well as further my learning and fieldwork practice in the app development sector.

Hafsa: Since Samsung Innovation Campus, I have become more intrigued by professions like programmer, UI/UX designer, and software developer. This motivated me to study the relevant subjects in university.

Muhammad: Samsung Innovation Campus is the beginning of our journey. I will continue expanding my skills and knowledge in AI and IT. Years from now, I wish to establish a big business that provides more jobs for the next generation who wish to take part in creating a better future. I hope that I can help reduce unemployment in Indonesia.