Meryl Bahmani was a participant in the 2018 Business Professional Practicum from Murdoch University. Meryl is studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics and Sustainable Development. Meryl received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum?
I wanted to experience the working culture of a growing economy in Asia. It really was the perfect opportunity for me – I received 6 credit points and could complete it during my summer break.
Q: How will the Business Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
Prior to this experience I was considering a future in government, however after this experience I have more clear goals and I know that an office job is not what suits me best. This was an invaluable experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and gave me a taste of an industry that I was considering and even though it did not suit me, I would do it again.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your responsibilities?
I interned at the Western Australian Office of Trade and Investment. My responsibilities included: Reporting on 2017 initiatives and new initiatives for 2018 and assisting on the Air Asia partnership with the WA government.
Q: How did you find the work culture of your host organisation? How was it different to work experience in Australia?
It seems to be a lot more flexible with starting and finishing times in Indonesia. There is also a strong food culture in Indonesia – everyone brings snacks to share, especially if they’ve been away for the weekend.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
If the opportunity presents itself again, most definitely! Jakarta is an easy city to live in for expats and everything I need is easily available here. Plus there is so much left in Indonesia that I haven’t seen yet that I need to come back for!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I love to go out and eat. There are plenty of quality restaurants here with a large variety of cuisines available. And malls of course! But the best is to use the weekends to get out of Jakarta and see a little of Indonesia. I recommend planning your weekends in advance, because you will soon realise how limited your time here is.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
The stalls right outside my place and the canteen at Atma Jaya is a must!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Bagus Sekali
Tidak Masalah
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Thousand Islands – Pramuka, Yogyakarta, Bogor, and Bali.