Institute Of Technology Harapan Bangsa: Equipping Graduates Going Global with Skills for the Future of Technology

Dr. Ir Samuel Tarigan

Rector

Computer Science and IT colleges play a vital role in helping students understand that science and faith are not contradictory, but rather complementary forces. While science and technology drive modern life, they inherently have limitations. Colleges can encourage students to explore how both science and faith address life’s biggest questions in distinct yet interconnected ways. By fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking, institutions like the Institute of Technology Harapan Bangsa guide students to realize that human efforts alone cannot solve every mystery, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding the world.

The Institute of Technology Harapan Bangsa (ITHB), established in 2002, has grown into a leading institution for Computer Science and IT education in Indonesia. With a strong emphasis on bridging theoretical knowledge and practical industry requirements, the institute consistently sets benchmarks for delivering high-quality education. Under the leadership of Dr Ir. Samuel Tarigan, the Rector, this institution has become a hub for global career opportunities. It offers 11 programs, among which the Computer Science program stands out for producing graduates well-prepared for international opportunities, not only within Indonesia but also across the world.

ITHB is a top choice for Computer Science and IT students, offering global certifications and a strong career development program. Partnering with IT giants like SAP, Google, Cisco, and Amazon Web Services, this institute ensures graduates meet international standards with globally recognized qualifications that enhance employability. While there are more than 3000 universities in Indonesia, ITHB is one of just four universities that offers SAP professional certification in the country.

Since 2020, ITHB has been the only private university in Indonesia partnering with Google to provide world-class machine learning certification, further solidifying its commitment to cutting-edge education. Additionally, the institute's Career Resource Center plays a key role in preparing students for the job market. From day one, students are guided to understand industry needs, ensuring they are equipped with both technical skills and practical knowledge to excel in their careers upon graduation.

ITHB emphasizes innovative teaching methods to keep students at the forefront of the evolving IT field, offering both on-site and online learning. Collaborations with global universities, including one in New Zealand, provide students access to cutting-edge software through remote servers, bypassing local infrastructure limitations. Speaking more on this, Dr Ir. Samuel Tarigan explains, “These partnerships allow students to work with the latest technology available worldwide.

Frequent visits from CEOs and industry experts further enrich our students' learning experience, blending theory with real-world insights and ensuring they stay connected to the industries they will join post-graduation”.

Scholarships & Financial Support

ITHB is committed to making education accessible to talented and deserving students. The institute offers a variety of scholarships, covering up to 100 percent of tuition fees for eight semesters. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need, with 517 students having benefited from them over the last six years. "We provide scholarships not just for the best-performing students but also for those in financial difficulties," Dr Ir. Samuel Tarigan emphasizes. The institution has provided around $4.3 million in scholarships, highlighting its commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from accessing quality education.

ITHB recognizes the challenges students face in preparing for their careers, so it offers career workshops from the start of their studies through its Career Resource Center. These workshops expose students to various industries and career paths, alongside semester-long internships, giving them real-world experience. This approach has resulted in nearly 70 percent of students receiving job offers before graduation, setting this institute apart as a leader in bridging education with employment opportunities in IT and Computer Science.

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ITHB equips students for global success through a blend of academic excellence, industry-relevant skills, & innovation
– Dr. Ir Samuel Tarigan , Rector

Faculty Expertise at ITHB

The quality of education at ITHB is driven by its highly qualified faculty, many of whom hold PhDs from top universities in Indonesia and abroad. Faculty members come from esteemed institutions such as the Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB), University of Southern California, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology. The institute also prioritizes continuous professional development, with professors regularly updating their skills in emerging fields like blockchain technology and digital marketing analytics from renowned institutions such as MIT and Harvard, ensuring academic rigor and industry relevance for students.

Moreover, ITHB’s Career Resource Center plays a crucial role in ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market. The center offers support throughout the student's academic journey, from helping them write professional resumes to preparing them for different types of interviews, including case studies and technical problem-solving exercises. Dr Tarigan takes pride in the strong ties that ITHB has established with leading companies, both in Indonesia and abroad. Many companies regularly conduct on-campus recruitment drives, giving students a head start in their job search. Additionally, students are encouraged to attend job fairs and networking events, further enhancing their career prospects.

In conclusion, the Institute of Technology Harapan Bangsa has firmly established itself as a leader in Computer Science and IT education in Indonesia. With its focus on global certifications, industry engagement, innovative teaching methods, and a robust career development program, the institute is preparing its students to succeed not just in Indonesia but on the global stage. ITHB alumni have secured positions at top-tier companies such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG), EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Accenture, and many more, showcasing the institute's strong industry connections and the high employability of its graduates. Under the leadership of Dr Ir. Samuel Tarigan and a faculty of world-class experts, this institute continues to shape the future of IT education in Indonesia, empowering its students to achieve success in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.