Safar Ali was a participant in the 2018 Business Professional Practicum from Curtin University. Safar is studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality. Safar received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support his participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum?
I decided to undertake ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum because I wanted to explore Indonesia, its culture, and businesses.
Q: How will the Business Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
This practicum will benefit my future career because diversity is in demand by many organizations and employers at present. Also, I have more work experience now to add into my resume.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with?
I did an internship with ETNOMARK, which is an ethnographic research company. Ethnography is a type of qualitative research which is used to identify consumer behaviour and suggest the best solution to a problem.
Q: How did you find the work culture of your host organisation? How was it different to work experience in Australia?
The work culture in my host organisation was like being in a family, where everyone was very friendly and helpful. When I started my internship, the employer was on a holiday, and when she returned the next week, I could see a real smile on everyone’s face. In saying that, I could feel an emotional connection between an employer and her employees, which is not the case in every workplace.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
If I get a good offer, I would definitely consider working in Indonesia.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
Indonesian people are very frank, so it is easy to make friends in Indonesia. In my spare time, I made friends or travelled around.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food? Favourite place to eat?
My favourite place to eat is the Padang restaurants because they have spicy food – and I like spicy.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
My favourite Indonesian phrase is “to use your magic hand” because you can cross the road (in most cases) without the pedestrian (Zebra) crossing – just raise your hand with a thumb up and the traffic will slow down or stop, and you can cross the road.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I have visited Jakarta’s shopping malls, Thousand Islands, Jogjakarta and Bali.