One of the alumni of the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, Lisa Zakiya, a graduate of the Tax Accounting Study Program, currently serves as a Finance Executive at PT Tobe Aviasi Indonesia (TBM Aviation), a multinational aviation consulting company. Lisa’s career journey is strong evidence that vocational education can be a solid foundation for entering the competitive professional world, including global industries.
Lisa began her career journey after graduating in October 2016. She started working in the data verification division at J&T Express before the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to take a temporary break from work. However, the situation did not dampen her spirit. “The pandemic made me stop working for a while, but I chose to get back up and start learning again,” she said. In 2021, she joined KJPP Semarang as a project secretary before eventually finding her path in the aviation industry.
In December 2021, Lisa officially joined TBM Aviation and has since progressed consistently until reaching a strategic position. Within four years, she rose from Finance Accounting Associate to being trusted as a Finance Executive, now handling international clients, including those from Ireland. “Every new position is a learning opportunity. I always remind myself—don’t get comfortable; keep improving your skills,” she emphasized.
As a Finance Executive, Lisa is responsible for preparing the company’s financial statements, managing budgets, analyzing cash flow and profit-loss, and handling various taxation aspects, including international taxation. Her role is crucial given that her company operates in the aviation technical sector, dealing with aircraft component procurement, maintenance, airworthiness monitoring, and aircraft leasing transactions.
Lisa also highlights the importance of a combination of technical skills, effective communication, and English proficiency, as 90 percent of TBM Aviation’s clients are international. “Technical skills are essential, but how we communicate and maintain professionalism is an added value that truly matters,” she said. She is currently preparing for advanced certifications such as Brevet C and Certified Tax Technician to strengthen her competence.
Lisa shares that her vocational education at UNDIP played a vital role in equipping her for the professional world. “The practical sessions in UNDIP Vocational School were very relevant. What I learned could immediately be applied to my job,” she stated. She encourages students to pursue certifications, improve language skills, and enhance their technological competency in accounting to be competitive in the global market.
Beyond academics, Lisa believes that relationships and organizational experiences also play a major role in career development. She was active in Prisma Photography Student Activity Unit (UKM Prisma Fotografi), where she gained creativity, work ethic, and teamwork skills. “Many job opportunities came from networks I built during college,” she said.
In her role at TBM Aviation, Lisa contributes to maintaining the company’s financial transparency, ensuring fiscal compliance, and supporting increased national revenue. She believes that success is shaped not only by technical skills but also by mental and spiritual strength. “Success is not just about working hard, but also about being at peace with yourself. When you feel insecure, just try. And don’t forget the spiritual path: parents’ prayers, prayer, and remembrance—they are irreplaceable strengths,” she asserted.
To UNDIP Vocational School students, Lisa advises not to be afraid to try new things and to always expand their network. “Use your college years to hone your abilities and build connections. That’s a crucial foundation for surviving in the professional world,” she said.
Lisa’s story proves that UNDIP Vocational graduates are not only job-ready but also capable of growing into strategic positions in multinational companies. With practical skills, a strong work ethic, and a continuous learning mindset, vocational alumni can make meaningful contributions to industry and national development.