From Minibus Driver to Civil Servant: UNM Graduate Proves Dreams Can Come True
Success is not always born from a life of ease. That inspiring story comes from Maksin Sinaga, S.Kom, an alumnus of the Information Systems Study Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), known as the Digital Business Campus, who managed to turn life’s limitations into proud achievements.
From various odd jobs, including work as a cleaner, he is now trusted with the responsibility of holding the position of First-Level Functional Expert at the General Affairs and Procurement Services Bureau, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Jakarta.
Maksin’s life journey is tangible proof that education, hard work and integrity can open the path towards a better future.
Born in Tarutung, North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, Maksin grew up in a modest family. Losing both parents at a young age forced him to struggle alone against economic hardship. Yet that condition never extinguished his determination to pursue higher education.
From an early age he had an interest in the world of technology, even though he had never had the opportunity to use a computer directly. To realise his dream, Maksin took on various jobs, from minibus driver to martial arts instructor and English teacher, to save money to move to Jakarta.
Upon arriving in the capital, the struggle was not over. He worked as a cleaner at the HKBP Cengkareng church before eventually being entrusted with administrative work. His honesty, discipline and strong work ethic earned him greater trust.
Amid his busy working life, Maksin decided to continue his studies in the Information Systems Study Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri. That decision became a turning point in his life. During his studies he actively deepened his information technology competence, attended training, discussed with lecturers, and built a habit of independent learning.
Trials returned when his mother passed away in the middle of his studies. However, the grief only strengthened his resolve to complete his education as a form of tribute to both his parents.
After graduating from UNM, Maksin began his career as IT Support at PT Sirtu Alam Makmur. Thanks to his competence and dedication, in 2019 he successfully passed the selection to become a Civil Servant (ASN) within the Ministry of ATR/BPN.
Today, as a First-Level Functional Expert at the ATR/BPN General Affairs and Procurement Services Bureau, Maksin contributes to supporting professional, transparent and accountable procurement service governance.
One of his achievements has been identifying and resolving various technical problems in the computer systems used for public services, so that services to the community continue to run optimally.
For Maksin, his education at UNM, the Digital Business Campus, became an important foundation in his career journey. He not only gained technical competence in information systems but was also shaped into a person with analytical ability, communication and collaboration skills, and adaptability to technological developments.
“UNM gave me provisions of great significance for my career journey. Not just knowledge of information technology, but it also shaped my way of thinking, my discipline, my problem-solving ability, and the courage to keep learning in the face of technological change,” said Maksin.
Maksin’s success also illustrates the importance of career preparation built from one’s student days. Through the Nusa Mandiri Career Center (NCC), UNM continues to strengthen collaboration with the business world, industry and various government agencies through internship programmes, campus hiring, career training, professional seminars and competency development mentoring.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Nusa Mandiri Career Center (NCC), Muhammad Faisal, said that Maksin Sinaga’s story shows that character, competence and a spirit of learning are the main capital for achieving success in the world of work.
Maksin Sinaga’s journey proves that one’s background does not determine the future. What matters is the willingness to keep learning, build competence, maintain integrity and dare to seize every opportunity.
“Through the Nusa Mandiri Career Center, UNM continues to present various career development programmes, from internships and campus hiring to professional training and collaboration with industry and government agencies, so that students are prepared to face the working world while still at university,” he explained in a statement received on Monday (3/8/2026).
He expressed hope that more and more UNM graduates will be able to make real contributions across various sectors, including government. As the Digital Business Campus, UNM remains committed to producing graduates who are excellent, adaptive and ready to compete at both national and global levels.
A curriculum aligned with industry needs, a technology-based learning ecosystem, and collaboration with the business world, industry and government agencies form part of the university’s strategy for producing digital talent capable of making real contributions to society.
In closing his story, Maksin offered a message to the younger generation never to surrender to circumstances. “The hardship of life on the streets is not the final destination. Make it a stepping stone to go further. Keep learning, maintain your integrity, and never stop developing yourself, because opportunities come to those who are prepared.”
Maksin Sinaga’s story is an inspiration: limitation is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams. With the right education, strong character and the will to keep growing, everyone has the chance to bring change to themselves, to society and to the nation.
For those wishing to build a future in technology, business and the digital economy, Universitas Nusa Mandiri, the Digital Business Campus, is still open for new student admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year. Information and registration can be done online at https://pmb.nusamandiri.ac.id. Full details on study programmes, scholarships, facilities and various academic activities at Universitas Nusa Mandiri can be accessed via the official website https://nusamandiri.ac.id/.