Chad Alley is a participant in the 2017 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from the University of New South Wales. Chad is studying a Bachelor of Media Arts. Chad received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support his participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I wanted to gain some international work experience so I could also enjoy getting to experience a new country and culture. I chose ACICIS because I thought that they would be able to provide me with links and connections in Indonesia which would better involve me in Indonesian life than if I was to go to Indonesia by myself.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
I’ve always wanted to work around Asia in digital and creative agencies so this experience and placement is pretty similar to where and what I’d want to do in the future.
Q: What organisation will you be interning with? (Explain your roles and responsibilities)
I’m interning at Wanara Studio. My role is to help design branding and concepts for Wanara Studio’s clients. Specifically I would use Illustrator to create vector images of logos, experiment with 3d design for concepts, and meet the clients.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
I’ve found it unconventional to work in Australia, however I’m also comparing working in a creative industry in Indonesia to working in retail and sales in Australia. The hours were very flexible and also involved working at home on projects. It has a relaxed feeling in between projects and feels like a rush once one has started.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
In Jakarta during the week I liked visiting bars, clubs, and singing at karaoke. On my weekends I’ve found it very easy to travel around to other places in Indonesia for sightseeing and getting to experience the more rural areas.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Yes I would. I’ve enjoyed the work, the lifestyle, and the travelling.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
Tempe.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Terjadilah (whatever will be will be/came to pass)
Q: Favourite place to eat?
Potato head.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Bogor & Bandung