From Government to Business, Iszmi Is Contributing to Education. Here’s how.
Finding solutions for various educational issues in Indonesia is not easy; there’s harsh economic differences, limited access to the internet, and a slight defensiveness when new approaches and ways of life seeps in. These were the challenges Iszmi faced in his first job as a Government Relations Associate in Ruangguru. Despite such troubles, he explored the field of education further and dug deeper about the nature of it in Indonesia. Since then, he’s been more persistent.
“I want to contribute in advancing education in Indonesia,” Iszmi said.
Iszmi claimed he was not ready for his first mission in Ruangguru. On his first day, he was tasked for a work trip in Aceh the next day and introduce Ruangguru in the area. Shocked? For sure. However, if not for that first trip, he wouldn’t have experienced more. Nor would he be chosen as Ruangguru’s representatives during his ample regional visits.
One of his most demanding visits was one in Sungai Penuh District in Jambi Province. Sungai Penuh District is tucked in a vast land, far from centers of urban life in the area, and its isolation made travel long and difficult. Access to internet was also rare. Even so, he had the unwavering motivation and he successfully promoted Ruangguru in their local communities.
This political science alumni from Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java admitted that he was interested in government relations because he felt that he fit the job description and it fits his educational background.
“Working on the issue of education helps me take a closer look at the diversity of the problems and seek innovations in schools in the regions,” he said. His goal is to identify which aspects need what improvement.
For Iszmi, formal schooling helps us see the diversity between each other, and not only are we being drilled academically, but we are also exposed to non-academic teachings, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and many others. Sadly, as Iszmi has realized, there are huge inequalities in Indonesia’s educational systems, and it is important to Iszmi that he helps make quality educational resources available for everyone regardless of where they are from.
“Ruangguru exists as an alternative for students everywhere to get the same access to education as students in capital cities,” Iszmi said. “It won’t replace the role of the government or schools in providing educational services.”
Iszmi is now a business analyst. There are more responsibilities in his new position, and he works with more than 1.500 Field Education Consultants (FEC) throughout Indonesia who are tasked to negotiate and introduce Ruangguru in schools in their respective areas.
One of Iszmi’s most memorable achievements was convincing several local governments that they can trust Ruangguru in providing students the learning solutions they need. That’s a testament to Iszmi’s relationship-building skills, and all that networking comes in especially handy in his new position. The relationship he’s built with local governments in his previous position has helped him connect the FECs with local governments. Before then, the FEC teams were not sure how they could get permits from local governments and promote Ruangguru in schools seamlessly. Now, because Iszmi has had a lot of practice and achievements as government relations associate, he acts as a bridge between the FEC teams and the local governments.
Iszmi also works with Ruangguru’s internal team at Ruangguru’s headquarters in Jakarta. There, he analyzes data from FEC teams that can support Ruangguru’s sales and marketing efforts. Going forward, Iszmi said that his team still has a lot of work cut out for them. One of which includes continuing and looking for opportunities for positive collaborations between the schools and Ruangguru.
In his view, working while contributing to education is the proudest thing in his life.
“I’m sure Ruangguru can help the needs of students even in remote areas. So, when students are looking for learning alternatives, they’ll immediately remember Ruangguru,” he said.
So, are you interested to work hand-in-hand with Iszmi and #TimRuangguru in contributing to education? Join us. Click here and see what positions are available for a force for change like you.
