Spotlight: Indonesians on The NUS MBA
In this NUS MBA Spotlight series, we speak to our Indonesian students and alumni on their unique experiences on the MBA, and ask them to share wise words of advice to other fellow Indonesian MBA aspirants.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
“I came to the MBA with a hypothesis that I can deliver more impact by upgrading my career into a strategy role within energy sector. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to intern with a consulting company in Singapore that has a strong focus on energy practices, and I find myself liking the dynamics of the consulting role. Hence, I hope I can take on a strategy role within the energy sector, leveraging on my past experience and also building on my knowledge and experience from NUS MBA.”
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Eric Tanoto, Class of 2023 Pre-MBA: Customer Engagement Coordinator, Schlumberger, Dhahran – Saudi Arabia Read his full interview here. |
How did the NUS MBA help with your career development?
“There were plenty of activities and support available. The student clubs provided opportunities for us to explore and learn from industry experts. I particularly enjoyed the fireside chats with company leaders. It was enlightening to hear their perspectives and learn from their experiences in navigating the challenges they faced. I also took the opportunity to explore different industries. I remember attending the NUS MBA Energy Club events and Sustainability Club events – two areas in which I had zero exposure before. NUS BIZCareers and BIZAlum connected us with alumni and more experienced leaders through the mentorship programme.”
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Yosephin Tjahjono, Class of 2021 Project Manager – Digital & E-Commerce Royal T Group Pte Ltd, Singapore Read her full interview here. |
Would you have done your NUS MBA any differently?
“I wouldn’t really change anything as I believe even the mistakes I made are just part of the journey and shape who I am today. But if I were to reflect further, I did feel that at times part of the motivation for me to be involved in so many things was because I bought into the notion that “busier is better” in an MBA. It’s not always the case, and people have different journeys and capacities. Do what’s best for you, and your peers being “busier” than you does not necessarily mean that they are doing better.”
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Steve Prawiromaruto, Class of 2022 Product Strategy Manager, Logistics Grab, Jakarta – Indonesia Read his full interview here. |
Many MBA aspirants feel that the NUS MBA is academically challenging. What do you think?
“While some may find the NUS MBA academically challenging, I personally disagree. The programme, although rigorous, brings a unique blend of challenge and enjoyment. It’s not just about theoretical learning; the emphasis on discussions and case studies allows us to actively apply our knowledge. The delivery of the programme strikes a commendable balance, making the educational experience both enriching and enjoyable.”
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Takichiro Gondokusumo, Class of 2021 Account Director, Gartner, Singapore Read his full interview here. |
As an Indonesian student/alum, what would be your advice to other Indonesians who are considering the NUS MBA?
My advice would be:
Embrace diversity: NUS is known for its diverse and inclusive community. Take full advantage of the opportunities to interact with classmates from various backgrounds, industries, and cultures. Do not only limit yourself to someone from similar backgrounds, because embracing this diversity will provide valuable insights into global perspectives and business practices you never know you need.
Tap into the alumni network: Leverage the extensive NUS alumni network, not only from MBA. I have experienced getting recommendations and support from NUS engineering, sciences, and social sciences alumni. This is what I value the most from NUS. Connect with alumni who share your background or have pursued similar career paths. Their experiences and insights can be invaluable in guiding your career decisions, providing mentorship, and expanding your professional network.
Explore beyond academics: While the academic rigour is essential, don’t limit your experience to the classroom. Engage in extracurricular activities, join student clubs, and participate in events. These experiences offer opportunities to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and enhance your overall MBA journey.
Seize global opportunities: If possible, take advantage of global opportunities, such as exchange programmes or international projects. These experiences can broaden your perspective, enhance your adaptability to different business environments, and build a global mindset—a valuable asset in today’s interconnected business world.
Align your goals: Clearly define your career goals and aspirations before starting the programme. NUS MBA provides a plethora of resources and support for career development, so having a clear direction will help you tailor your MBA experience to align with your professional objectives.
Stay open-minded: Be open to exploring different facets of business and consider how your interests might evolve during the programme. The NUS MBA offers a well-rounded curriculum, and staying open-minded can lead to discovering new passions and career paths.
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Dinda Puspasari, Class of 2021 Internal Communications Lead Golden Agri-Resources, Singapore Read her full interview here. |
