Hannah Bogue was a participant in the 2020 Business Professional Practicum from Curtin University. Hannah is studying a Bachelor of Commerce.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Business Professional Practicum?
I’ve always described travelling as my first love. I’m an individual who loves to learn about life and culture in another country whilst simultaneously widening my perspective to a differing cultural lens other than my own. When I stumbled upon the ACICIS program, I thought that this was a perfect opportunity to merge my love of travelling and different cultures with gaining business acumen in an international context.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
I was very fortunate to receive the NCP mobility grant that was one of the catalysts for my innocent enquiry turning into an application. As a university student, it is difficult to find the financial funding to undertake international experiences. Receiving the NCP grant has, without a doubt, given myself that piece of mind and ability to fully enjoy the experience free of financial stress
Q: How will the Business Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
From a recruitment perspective, gaining practical experience before graduating will always make you very marketable. However, gaining international experience in a country that is a rapidly emerging market and a very key focal area for Australia? Invaluable. Undertaking cross cultural business ventures is a challenging yet exciting area which will undoubtedly influence your future career. In my personal experience, a lot of light has been shed on this area in exposing myself to opportunities and industries that I had never considered an option before.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your responsibilities?
I have been interning in the HR department of DANA Indonesia; a tech-fin company that has an e-wallet application driving the movement of Indonesia’s cashless society. Having seen exponential growth in their human resources since the launch of their standalone application in late 2018, I was given the task of creating a leadership development program that will be implemented on all levels of the organisation.
Due to the flat structure of the organisation and its high involvement culture, I was responsible for conducting meetings with various members of DANA’s C-suite to gain insight into their expectations of the leaders within their department. Additionally, I was introduced to members across many different departments that aided in conceptualising and bringing the program to life.
Q: How did you find the work culture of your host organisation? How was it different to work experience in Australia?
In Indonesia, it is important to understand how culture is the driver of organisational effectiveness. Taking the time to have conversations with colleagues, build relationships and subsequent rapport is key in gaining trust and successfully executing business in Indonesia. In Australia this is important, however, results-driven practices also hold a lot of weight.
Back home, I had interned with companies primarily in the resources sector. These past experiences were vastly different to the high involvement start-up culture of DANA Indonesia. Due to DANA being a young organisation with rapid growth, the mentality is simply ‘just do it’; to trial and error ideas and adapt when necessary. In contrast, my experiences in Australia have been very structured and policy driven; an idea/program may be pitched to various members and reviewed with a fine-tooth comb before it is implemented. Although reviews on various levels of the organisation are conducted in DANA, there is a strong sense of trust that the logistics and details of the initiatives being proposed are taken care of an executed well by the team/individuals.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Indonesia has been quite an interesting experience. I enjoy the challenge in cross cultural management and the exciting opportunities that lay in the unity of different cultural perspectives. I wouldn’t be opposed to working in Indonesia in the future. Never say never!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I am a big food lover. In my spare time you will always find me at a different coffee shops, sampling new and different food from various places in Jakarta.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food ?
In my first week at Atma Jaya, there is a place called “Auntie’s Kitchen” at Plaza Semanggi. Vegetables are hard to come by in Indonesia – their brussel sprouts sautéed in garlic are to die for!
My favourite Indonesian dishes would be Gado Gado, nasi uduk, karedok and tempeh goreng!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
“Tidak Pakai Cabe” – This acts as your insurance in eating situations. 99% bulletproof.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
We visited the Indonesian Stock Exchange, Bukalapak HQ, various malls, Warung’s and have also checked out the coffee scenes in Senopati and all over South Jakarta.