Indonesian diaspora's trail at the world's largest aerospace company

Washington, USA - An Indonesian couple, Alvary Ferdian and Zee Abigail, have proven that hard work, a willingness to learn, and the courage to try new things can lead to careers at Boeing, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, in Everett, Washington. Speaking at the Boeing Everett facility on Friday (3/7), the pair shared their different journeys to becoming part of the company that produces various commercial aircraft. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both agreed that the opportunity to continuously learn was the key to entering the aerospace industry. Alvary, who has worked at Boeing for nearly 11 years as an aircraft mechanic, said he did not join the company immediately upon arriving in the United States. He first underwent training at the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center (WATR Center), an institution that collaborates with Boeing to prepare workers for the aerospace industry. ‘All the work that will later be done at Boeing is learned there. From hands-on practice, theory, Boeing’s history, to how to use work equipment. After graduating, we got the opportunity to apply, which made the process easier,’ he said. Despite having an educational background in aviation, Alvary admitted he still faced significant challenges when he first joined Boeing. According to him, the manufacturing process for aircraft involves a work system different from what he had previously studied, requiring adjustment. ‘In the past, I learned about aircraft engines. Here, I learned how to install various components until they become part of an aircraft ready to fly. That was the biggest challenge for me,’ he said. Unlike Alvary, Zee Abigail’s path to Boeing began from a background completely unrelated to aerospace. A graduate of environmental engineering who also completed a master’s degree in psychology, she said her interest was initially sparked after taking a tour of Boeing’s facilities shortly after arriving in the United States. That curiosity led her to attend training at the WATR Center, specialising in electrical work. During the training, she received technical knowledge as well as assistance in navigating the recruitment process, from preparing a curriculum vitae to Boeing’s standards to participating in job interview simulations. Zee now works in the aircraft interior section. She believes the perception that the aviation industry is only suitable for men is no longer relevant. ‘Many people think the aviation world is only for men or aerospace engineering graduates. In fact, if you are willing to learn, women can do the same job,’ she said. She considers that women have particular strengths, especially in the precision and attention to detail required in the aircraft assembly process. Working at the same company is an advantage for the couple. Alvary and Zee say they can support each other, share experiences, and exchange information about career development opportunities in the workplace. Alvary said working at Boeing is an achievement he never imagined when he was still in Indonesia. He expressed pride in being involved in making aircraft that will eventually be used by airlines from various countries. ‘I used to only see aeroplanes flying. Now I help build those planes until they can take to the skies. That is my greatest pride,’ he said. Both believe that Indonesian human resources have the capability to compete in global companies. According to them, adaptability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn are essential assets for building a career abroad. Alvary hopes more young Indonesians will dare to pursue opportunities in the international aerospace industry if given the chance. Similarly, Zee encourages Indonesian women not to hesitate to enter fields that have traditionally been dominated by men. ‘Don’t feel inferior because you’re not a graduate from here or because you’re a woman. Everything can be learned if we are willing to learn and keep developing our skills,’ Zee advised.