My name is Niki Nugraha. I am a 2007 graduate of UNPAD. I received a KSE scholarship in 2008. At that time, I was uncertain about my future. Amidst my confusion, I participated in various training programmes organised by KSE on entrepreneurship.
The KSE scholarship programme I received while I was at university had a profound impact on me. Little by little, I developed a desire to become an entrepreneur. At that time, I participated in many national competitions.
However, the journey to becoming an entrepreneur is not easy. After graduating from university, I was faced with many choices, and after careful consideration, I decided to work at a national private television station in the creative production department.
After working in Jakarta for over a year, I grew tired of the daily routine. I wanted more freedom to manage my time and be closer to my family in Bandung. Finally, in 2014, I decided to quit my job and pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration at the School of Business and Management, ITB.
With an entrepreneurial mindset and knowledge instilled in me since participating in the KSE training programme, I took the plunge and became an entrepreneur. I started a business in the digital agency field under the name Vaganza Digital or PT Vaganza Solusi Internasional. When I first started this business, all I had was a laptop and I worked from home.
Becoming a successful individual is inseparable from the environment of fellow entrepreneurs who are also KSE alumni. Together with them, I participated in establishing KARCIS (Koperasi Cerdas Indonesia Sejahtera or Indonesian Prosperous Smart Cooperative). The KARCIS programme ultimately benefits students receiving the KSE Scholarship at 35 state universities throughout Indonesia, as well as alumni who are just starting their businesses and need capital. KSE does not simply abandon its students, but continues to support them even after they become alumni.
In addition to being a teacher, I also took on the role of business mentor and coach for them. I feel that what I gained during my time as a recipient of the KSE scholarship must be passed on to the younger generation.
