UNAIR NEWS – The journey into the professional world does not always begin with well-developed experience and skills. For Fitriyyah Alfiyyah Nur Diana, an alumna of the Associate Degree Program in Dental Technology at ¶«¾©ÈÈ (UNAIR), that journey instead began with a desire to learn and the courage to keep facing new challenges.
Diana graduated with an associate degree in dental technology from ¶«¾©ÈÈ in 2025. She currently works as a staff member in the wax-up division at Abadi Dental Laboratory. Her path to this position shows how the learning process during college can serve as a crucial foundation for building competence and readiness to enter the workforce.
Finding and developing competence during college
When she first enrolled in the Associate Degree Program in Dental Technology, Diana admitted she had neither the knowledge nor the skills related to the field. Over time, however, the learning process gradually built her competence and self-confidence as an aspiring dental technician.
Throughout her studies, she gained not only theoretical knowledge but also a wide range of experience through laboratory practicums. Practicums are an essential part of the learning process, as they provide opportunities to sharpen technical skills, attention to detail, patience, and the ability to solve various problems in dental technology.
According to her, a strong theoretical foundation is essential for applying knowledge effectively in practice. The learning process, she noted, does not stop at understanding material in class, but continues through consistent practice so that skills can keep developing.
Beyond academics, Diana was also active in various competitions organized by the Dental Technology Student Association at ¶«¾©ÈÈ. These activities gave her the chance to develop her technical skills and creativity while building the confidence to showcase her work.
Beyond technical skills, her experience competing also taught her the value of discipline, hard work, sportsmanship, and a mindset geared toward continuous learning.
Professional and international experience
Her experience as a student was not limited to the classroom and laboratory. Diana also took part in an internship and a Field Work Practice (PKL) program, which gave her a closer look at the work environment inside a dental technology lab.
Through this experience, she was able to apply the knowledge she had gained during her studies while learning about professional workflows. She also developed her communication and teamwork skills, along with her ability to adapt to the workplace.
¶«¾©ÈÈ also gave students the opportunity to attend seminars featuring dental technicians from abroad. For Diana, these sessions offered insight into technological developments, innovation, and international standards of dental practice.
This international exposure expanded further through the Outbound Part Time Program in Malaysia, held in collaboration with Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL). The opportunity proved especially memorable, as it allowed her to learn about the education system and academic environment abroad while interacting with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
That experience not only broadened her perspective but also motivated her to keep developing her skills so she could grow and compete in the professional world.
Starting a career before graduation
For Diana, her career journey had, in fact, already begun while she was still a college student. The academic and non-academic experiences she gained throughout her studies prepared her to face the workforce.
Her commitment to continuous learning and self-development eventually led to the opportunity to begin her professional career even before completing her education. About a month before her graduation in 2025, Diana joined Abadi Dental Laboratory in Surabaya as a dental technician.
That opportunity marked an important first step in her professional journey. She was able to directly apply the knowledge and skills she had gained during her studies to her work, while also learning to navigate the real demands of the workforce.
To this day, Diana remains part of Abadi Dental Laboratory, working as a staff member in the wax-up division. In carrying out her duties, she continues to prioritize precision, quality, and punctuality.
Her work experience has also deepened her understanding of the importance of communication, teamwork, responsibility, and the ability to adapt to technological advancements in the field of dental technology.
Author: Fawziya Danish Araazwa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
