School of Social and Political Science

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Why did you choose to study your programme? And why Edinburgh?

Coming from a technical background, I’ve always felt a pull to understand people, not just computers. This curiosity led me to search for a course that could combine technology with sociological study, and I found that in the University of Edinburgh. Here, I enrolled in the unique Science and Technology in Society programme. It taught me to thoughtfully consider societal factors when developing IT products and to challenge the ‘deterministic’ view that technology alone drives progress.

The city also introduced me to so much. As the first in my family to pursue a Master’s degree, let alone to do so abroad, Edinburgh has been incredibly kind to me. The people, the environment, and the atmosphere, though all new, made me feel truly welcomed. The University community helped me to blend in and connect with people from different countries and backgrounds. Here, I met like-minded individuals with whom I could exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and share perspectives.

How did you get to where you are?

Coming from a middle-class family in Indonesia, I’ve always recognized the privileges I have. One of the most important being my parents’ strong support for education. They consistently encouraged me to pursue the highest level of education possible. Their dream became mine too: to make them proud and happy in every way I can.

With their support, I earned my bachelor’s degree from one of the top computer science universities in Indonesia, graduating with honors (cum laude). It was during my time at this university that I discovered my passion for Product Management. A path that led me to work across multiple industries and domains. From these industries, I have also created small to big impacts. One of my proudest achievements was designing and launching a WhatsApp-based monitoring chatbot that supported over 70,000 health cadres across Indonesia and tracked stunting metrics for 850,000 toddlers.

These professional experiences ultimately inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh.

How have you used the knowledge and skills gained from your time at Edinburgh in your career journey? What did you gain from your time at the University?

As a Product Manager with experience in the healthcare, education, and travel industries, I’ve worked with people from diverse backgrounds and motivations. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, especially the ability to understand others, are essential in this role. My time in Edinburgh significantly strengthened these abilities. Learning how technology is built, the intentions behind it, and the people who create it helped me develop deeper empathy toward users and collaborators. This has directly enhanced my core competencies as a PM, particularly in identifying user problems and uncovering pain points.

Meeting professionals at the University as an international student also played a big role in helping me grow in my career. Hearing about their journeys, their challenges, setbacks, and perseverance, motivated me to keep pushing forward. It even lowkey inspired me to consider pursuing a PhD and becoming a lecturer one day in another country

What 3 words describe your time studying at the School of Social and Political Science?

Transformative, critical, balanced

What is your favourite memory from your time studying at the University of Edinburgh (or SPS)?

My favourite part of Edinburgh was the people. I treasure the moments spent with my diverse cohort, where we often met to share our personal stories, ideals, and ideas. These conversations were incredibly eye-opening, offering perspectives that have stayed with me long after.

What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your academic journey?

The one piece of advice I'd give my past self is to focus on writing. Coming from a technical background, I found it challenging to translate complex ideas into clear, written arguments. I would tell myself to dedicate significant time to refining this crucial skill, as it's essential in SPS.

Written 2025