Balikpapan – Muhammad Ilham Maulana, an alumnus of the Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Study Program at the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), Class of 2015, is now pursuing his academic career as a lecturer in the Metallurgical Engineering Study Program at the Del Institute of Technology (IT Del). His academic journey began at ITK before continuing with a master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Today, he is part of the pioneering team establishing the Metallurgical Engineering Study Program at IT Del, one of the first metallurgical engineering programs on the island of Sumatra.

The Beginning of His Aspiration to Become a Lecturer

For Ilham, becoming a lecturer is more than just a profession—it is a calling to contribute to the advancement of science and higher education. Since his undergraduate years at ITK, he had aspired to pursue an academic career. Various experiences during his studies, including class presentations, group projects, and manually handwritten laboratory reports, helped shape his communication skills, teamwork, time management, and discipline.

According to him, in addition to technical expertise, soft skills such as communication and public speaking are equally essential, especially for lecturers who are expected not only to deliver knowledge but also to inspire their students.

Pursuing a Master's Degree at ITB

After completing his bachelor's degree at ITK, Ilham continued his studies by enrolling in the Master's Program in Metallurgical Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). On February 2, 2023, he successfully defended his master's thesis. Shortly afterward, he began searching for lecturer vacancies by simply typing the keywords "metallurgical engineering lecturer vacancies" into an internet search engine.

Through this search, he discovered that the Del Institute of Technology planned to establish its Metallurgical Engineering Study Program in 2023 and was recruiting lecturers for the new program.

Although he had not yet received his official master's diploma, Ilham decided to submit his application. He believed that opportunities do not always come twice, and having the courage to take the first step ultimately paved the way for his academic career.

The Journey to Becoming a Lecturer at IT Del

After more than a month without any response, Ilham submitted a second application, this time attaching his digital master's degree certificate. While waiting for a response, he worked as a supervisor at a jewelry metal casting company in Bali.

On May 4, 2023, the Human Resources Division of the Del Institute of Technology contacted him to participate in the lecturer recruitment process. The selection process lasted approximately two weeks and included a microteaching session, psychological assessment, interviews, and a medical examination. In early June 2023, he was officially accepted as a lecturer in the Metallurgical Engineering Study Program and began his duties on July 10, 2023.

Pioneering a Metallurgical Engineering Program in Sumatra

Being part of a newly established study program has been a unique and rewarding experience for Ilham. He is proud to be among the first lecturers and pioneers of the Metallurgical Engineering Study Program at the Del Institute of Technology. The establishment of this program marks an important milestone, as it is one of the first Metallurgical Engineering programs available on the island of Sumatra.

In carrying out his responsibilities, Ilham actively fulfills the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi): teaching, research, and community service. The laboratory facilities available at IT Del have also provided strong support for both his research activities and teaching responsibilities.

Contributing to Academia

Since joining IT Del in July 2023 through March 2026, Ilham has secured five research grants and five community service grants funded through both internal and external sources. He has also published seven scientific papers in national and international journals, authored one academic book, participated in two scientific conferences, and obtained one national copyright registration.

Furthermore, he was awarded the National Lecturer Identification Number (NIDN) on December 14, 2023, and received his first academic rank as an Assistant Professor (Asisten Ahli) on September 1, 2024, with the civil service rank of Junior Administrator Level I (Penata Muda Tingkat I, Grade III/b).

For students, Ilham shares a simple yet meaningful message:

"Finish everything you have started, and never be afraid or too proud to do what is right and good."

If you'd like, I can also Adapt this into a news article in international university style (Times Higher Education/QS style) with a more polished journalistic tone.