Martin Nester is a participant in the 2019 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from the University of New South Wales. Martin is studying a Bachelor of Commerce/Design with Honours.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum?
I had to do an internship for my design degree and thought it would be more rewarding to do it in another country and gain cross-cultural experience at the same time.
Q: How will the Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
It taught me that I have what it takes to live and work in another country, so it really opened up opportunities for working outside of Australia. I built strong friendships with fellow students and colleagues at my host organisation. These networks will do doubt come of use if I need advice and guidance in the future. I also gained valuable communication skills throughout the program which will undoubtedly be beneficial for my career and future job prospects.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your roles and responsibilities?
I worked with Lightbox Indonesia, an architectural lighting firm. They work alongside architects to develop beautiful lighting schemes in all kinds of buildings. I was given several design briefs to work on and compete over my four week placement; this allowed me to explore the areas of design I was best at. This turned out to be product and strategic development. We also did a few site visits and socialised outside of work hours.
Q: How is the work culture of your host organisation different to work experience you have had in Australia?
I was lucky that my host organisation was the Indonesian office of a company originally from Singapore, so there were lots of parallels to working back home such as direct communication, quality resources, a comfortable office and capped working hours (8 hours a day). We had a flexible schedule which I hadn’t experienced before, so not being stuck to a rigid 9-5 day was refreshing. The main things which affected us were external, such as delays on project deadlines, power outages and traffic jams.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
If I manage to secure a good job in Indonesia, I would certainly consider the possibility of working there.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
In Jakarta, I loved exploring different and unusual parts of the city, such as the small back streets, traditional markets and North Jakarta harbour. When I had more time, I really enjoyed travelling out of Jakarta and hiking through jungles, tea plantations and other amazing landscapes. This is where you really got to experience traditional ways of life.
Q: Favourite place to eat and favourite Indonesian food?
I loved the wartegs and roadside food vendors. My favourite food was Nasi Padang because you got to try so many different things at once. I also loved the mangosteens. The coffee in South Jakarta was surprisingly good.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Mau pesan …: I would like to order… (super handy in day to day life)
Q. What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
We got to visit a small and very traditional tribe in the jungle known as the Baduy people. Other places I visited included Bogor, various tea plantations and some mountains, Yogyakarta and its surrounding attractions such as the ancient Borobodur temple and Mt. Merapi.