Elian Gomez was a participant on the 2022 Virtual Business Professional Practicum. Elian is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I decided to undertake the ACICIS virtual internship program because I wanted to learn about Indonesian culture but also because I wanted to apply my business knowledge in a practical setting.
Q: How have you found the academic components of this virtual program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The seminars have a wide range of speakers from different backgrounds and you are able to learn many things from them.
Q: What organisation did you intern with?
I interned with CORE Indonesia, an economic research organisation. For the most part I performed economic research and analysis for pressing business challenges.
Q: How have you found the work culture (albeit online) of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
My host organisation was extremely helpful and collaborative. The work culture in Indonesia puts a lot of emphasis on collaboration.
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your virtual internship?
I honed my skills in economic research and writing and on expressing complex ideas in a simple manner.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this virtual experience?
Probably the language classes. I managed to learn how to say many things in Indonesian and the language teachers made sure to make the classes fun and engaging.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this virtual program? If yes, how was this achieved?
We had virtual field trips and other optional activities that taught us about Indonesian cuisine, music, art and other parts of Indonesian culture.
Q: How will the virtual internship benefit or influence your career?
The Internship taught very valuable soft skills such as working with a very diverse team of people and also gave exposure to work in an industry that I had never worked before, this will be of value for my future career.
Q: Would you recommend this virtual program to your friends?
Absolutely yes!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Nanti
Q: Describe your experience of the virtual internship program in three words:
Exciting, insightful, different