The application deadline for the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (BATMET) is now Sunday, June 15, for those looking to start this fall.
The BATMET is designed to help students take the next steps in their careers, moving into supervisory and leadership roles. The program is open to students who have completed a relevant associate degree.
Taking that next step was something current BATMET student, Ineke Handajani, knew would help her move up in her career and better support her daughter. She is expected to complete the program this summer, making her ACC’s first female graduate of the program.
Learn more about Ineke’s journey below.
My ACC Journey: A Story of Growth, Gratitude, and Perseverance
My name is Ineke Handajani. I was born in Indonesia. In 2000, my husband and I moved to the United States. It was not easy arriving in a new country in my late 20s, I had to learn a new culture and language from the ground up.
After nine years of living in California, we decided to move to Austin. By then, our daughter was six years old. I began my journey with Austin Community College (ACC) in June 2010, starting with the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. While completing my clinical practice, the human resources department offered me a job. That moment made me realize how much ACC had already impacted my life. Even though I had to decline the offer—because I was already accepted to the company where I still work today ACC had already planted a seed in me: a love for learning and self-improvement.
Since then, ACC has been a constant part of my journey. I continued taking courses to expand my knowledge. I completed classes in accounting, earned an Associate of Applied Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management, and also completed General Studies. These accomplishments helped me grow professionally, and I was promoted in my job.
A moment I’ll never forget was when I was trying to find an affordable school to pursue my bachelor’s degree. That’s when Ms. Jolene called and told me about [the BATMET] program that was perfect for me. I remember saying, “Where have you been?” It felt like a prayer had been answered. I was, and still am, beyond grateful. This program has supported me in so many ways—from my career to my daily life. I was promoted again, from Material Coordinator to Inventory/Planning Analyst. Through ACC, I also received a [CapMetro] Green Pass that allowed me to commute for free, which was a big help.
Balancing family, a full-time job, and school was tough. I often slept late and used my commute time to do homework and study. But I never felt alone. The faculty and staff at ACC were always there to support me—Professors Robert, Sean, Chang, and especially Ms. Jolene. I even received a scholarship from H-E-B, thanks to ACC. Every challenge I faced was met with encouragement, guidance, and opportunities from the ACC community.
What’s next? I will continue upgrading myself through education. I believe education is the pathway out of poverty—it’s true for me. I now have a job with a decent salary, something I could only dream of before getting my degree. Most importantly, I’ve become an inspiration to my daughter. If her mom can do it, she can do even more.
The good news doesn’t stop. I share my story with coworkers, friends, and even encouraged my daughter to take classes with ACC while she was still in high school. I truly believe that age is not a barrier to education, and ACC makes learning accessible for everyone.
I LOVE ACC. ACC is for everybody.
Learn more and start your application at austincc.edu/BATMET.