University
My Experience at Swiss German University
June 20244 min read
Matthews chose SGU because it offers a unique combination of Indonesian warmth and European academic rigor. The campus at Prominence Tower in Alam Sutera provides a professional atmosphere, and small class sizes mean professors know each student by name, making discussions and questions feel natural.
He initially worried that SGU's broad IT curriculum—covering web development, databases, networking, security, AI, and mobile development—would leave him without depth. Over time he realized that breadth is a superpower: understanding how different technologies connect gave him perspective to identify his true passions and know where to go deeper.
The curriculum is rigorous and project-driven from the first semester. Students write code, build applications, and work on real-world projects rather than focusing purely on theory. Many professors bring direct industry experience, providing practical insights that go beyond what textbooks cover.
Matthews participated in hackathons, tech workshops, and networking events. A standout moment was the IT Symposium where his team showcased the Observer KPU project and won Most Favorite Project. These activities also helped him build connections with classmates, professors, and industry professionals that opened doors to internships and collaborative work.
His advice is to embrace being a generalist early on and use that time to explore, experiment, and discover what genuinely excites you. He argues that understanding the technology landscape is just as important as mastering one specific area, and that depth follows naturally once you find your passion.
Choosing Swiss German University (SGU) for my Information Technology degree was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Located in the iconic Prominence Tower in Alam Sutera, SGU offers a unique blend of Indonesian warmth and European academic rigor.
Studying at Prominence Tower gives you a different perspective. The modern high-rise setting in the heart of Alam Sutera creates a professional atmosphere that prepares you for the corporate world. From the state-of-the-art computer labs to the stunning city views, every corner of the campus inspires you to aim higher.
What makes SGU special is its intimate class sizes. Unlike massive lecture halls at other universities, our classes are small enough that professors know your name. This creates an environment where asking questions and engaging in discussions feels natural.
When I first started at SGU, I had this nagging worry: "Am I just scratching the surface of everything? Am I becoming a jack of all trades, master of none?" The IT curriculum covers so much—web development, databases, networking, security, AI, mobile development, and more. It felt overwhelming at times.
But as I progressed through my studies, I had a revelation. Learning the breadth of technology isn't a weakness—it's a superpower. By understanding a little bit of everything, I gained something invaluable: perspective.
Now I can see how different pieces of technology connect. I understand why a backend developer needs to think about security, why a frontend developer should understand databases, and why everyone should know the basics of DevOps. This bird's-eye view helped me discover what truly excites me and where I want to go deeper.
The broad foundation SGU gave me allowed me to explore and eventually find my passions. For me, it turned out to be:
I wouldn't have discovered these interests if I hadn't been exposed to everything first. The "jack of all trades" approach wasn't spreading me thin—it was helping me find my direction.
The IT curriculum at SGU is rigorous but rewarding. We don't just learn theory—we build things. From our first semester, we're writing code, building applications, and working on real-world projects. The professors, many of whom have industry experience, bring practical insights that textbooks simply can't provide.
Some of my favorite courses include:
University life at SGU extends far beyond lectures and assignments. I've had the opportunity to participate in hackathons, tech workshops, and networking events. The IT Symposium, where I showcased the Observer KPU project, was a highlight—our team won Most Favorite Project!
The connections I've made here—with classmates, professors, and industry professionals—have opened doors I never knew existed. From internship opportunities to collaborative projects, the SGU network is invaluable.
If you're a student feeling overwhelmed by the breadth of what you're learning, here's my advice: embrace it. Don't worry about being a generalist at first. Use this time to explore, experiment, and discover what truly excites you. The depth will come naturally once you find your passion.
SGU taught me that understanding the landscape of technology is just as important as mastering one specific area. Now, with that foundation, I know exactly where I want to dig deeper—and I have the context to understand how it all fits together.