EduAsiaNews,Bandung — For Rivaldy Varianto Susilo, an alumnus of the Aerospace Engineering Study Program at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Class of 2010, working in the aircraft manufacturing industry was never a dream to be achieved instantly. From the outset, he understood that a meaningful career is built through a long process, beginning with small and consistent steps.
Rivaldy’s interest in the aerospace field developed during his university years. While studying at ITB, he believed that an engineer must possess a clearly defined area of expertise that is mastered in depth. This conviction motivated him to actively engage in research and technology development activities. In 2013, he initiated Aksantara ITB, a student organization focused on research and development in drone technology.
From a Drone Startup to the Aviation Industry
Rivaldy’s professional journey did not immediately lead him to major corporations. Between 2013 and 2014, he served as the Founder and Team Leader of Aksantara ITB, leading a team of students in research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones. This experience introduced him to the world of applied engineering, team leadership, and technical decision-making.
Subsequently, he continued his professional path as Chief of Technical & Engineering at Aerogeosurvey (2015–2016). During this phase, Rivaldy began to face real industrial challenges, including managing technical teams, ensuring engineering quality, and bridging business and technical requirements.
In 2016, Rivaldy entered the global aerospace industry by joining Airbus Helicopters Indonesia as a Production Controller. This role provided him with comprehensive insight into production processes, time management, and cross-functional coordination within the aviation industry. He was later entrusted with greater responsibilities as a Project Manager from 2019 to 2021, overseeing projects with high complexity and stringent safety standards.
Entering the Global Stage
Alongside his professional career, Rivaldy remained actively involved in personal development and international networking initiatives. From 2018 to 2019, he served as a British Council Ambassador, a role that broadened his perspective on global collaboration and cross-border talent development.
To strengthen his academic and managerial foundation, Rivaldy pursued a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Management at the University of Glasgow. During his time in the United Kingdom, he actively built professional networks and explored various career opportunities. Although he secured several interviews, the outcomes were not immediately successful.
“I applied for more than 100 internal positions at Airbus and was unsuccessful. But I simply kept trying until I succeeded,” he said.
For him, the process was an essential part of professional learning.
After returning to Indonesia and continuing his career at Airbus Helicopters Indonesia, Rivaldy remained steadfast in pursuing his aspirations. His long-term efforts eventually bore fruit. Since 2022, he has officially joined Airbus UK in Bristol as an Aerodynamics Engineer, marking a significant milestone in a career journey built over more than a decade.
Sharing the Path with the Next Generation
In addition to his professional achievements, Rivaldy is actively engaged in sharing his experiences. He served as a Career Mentor at YIPA UK (2024–2025) and also took on the role of Talent Advisor. In 2025, he founded Get Karier, a platform focused on career and personal development, with the aim of expanding access and insights for young Indonesian professionals to confidently compete at national and global levels.
Through this extensive journey, Rivaldy Varianto Susilo demonstrates that a global career is built through gradual processes, hard work, repeated failures, and a continuous willingness to learn.
“Believe that everyone you see as successful has gone through many failures and setbacks,” he remarked.
Rivaldy’s journey now stands as an inspiration, affirming that great dreams are worth pursuing with patience and consistency.
