Balikpapan - Internship programs integrated with academic learning have become a clear example of the implementation of “Diktisaintek Berdampak” at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan. This was reflected in the achievement of Nurul Adinda Thalia Salsabila, a student of the Information Systems Study Program, who earned a GPA of 3.76 and was named the highest GPA recipient at the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI).

Never expecting to become one of the best graduates, Adinda admitted that her academic journey was filled with a long process that required consistency.

“At first, I never imagined that I could graduate in 3.5 years and become one of the best graduates. The key is consistency,” she said.

During her studies, Adinda actively participated in internship programs that were later converted into academic courses during semesters 6 and 7. She completed her internship at PT Komatsu Indonesia, where she worked in the fields of Human Capital Analysis and Project Management, gaining direct experience in the industrial sector.

However, the process was not without challenges. She had to balance work responsibilities, project completion, and academic demands such as her final thesis.

“The most challenging part was converting the internship into academic credits. I still had to work on projects while keeping up with academic responsibilities. But through that experience, I learned time management,” she explained.

This experience demonstrates that internships are not obstacles, but instead can accelerate graduation while strengthening students’ competencies. Adinda successfully completed her studies on time within seven semesters and graduated with honors.

Behind her academic achievements, Adinda described her family as her greatest source of strength.

“My family is the place I return to whenever I feel tired, sad, or need motivation again,” she shared.

Looking ahead, she plans to first pursue a professional career to strengthen her industry experience before continuing her studies to a higher level. One of her dream universities is Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.

She also encouraged other students not to hesitate in taking opportunities during their university years.

“If there’s an opportunity, whether it’s an internship, competition, or another program, just give it a try first. That’s how we grow,” she advised.

Nurul Adinda’s achievement proves that the integration between academia and industry through internship programs can produce graduates who are not only academically excellent, but also well-prepared to face the challenges of the professional world.

With the spirit of “ITK Berdampak,” Institut Teknologi Kalimantan continues to encourage students to actively contribute, innovate, and take advantage of every opportunity as part of a meaningful learning process.