Marcus Loiacono was a participant in the 2019 Business Professional Practicum from Curtin University. Marcus is studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Finance. Marcus 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 saw it as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, to grow my network, to gain international work experience, and to develop a greater understanding of cultural norms and day-to-day living in Indonesia.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
I did receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant and I found it to be a tremendous help in assisting with finances, especially for getting to and from Jakarta and covering the costs of accommodation.
Q: How will the Business Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
I believe the Business Professional Practicum has opened my eyes to the possibility of potentially working overseas and has given me a taste of what to expect.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your responsibilities?
I interned at PT Jababeka Tbk, an estate developer which built towns that accommodated residential, industrial, and leisure/hospitality business pillars. My role was mainly working on a financial analysis of previous financial years, diving deep into the company’s numbers and working on a piece for their annual report.
Q: How did you find the work culture of your host organisation? How was it different to work experience in Australia?
I was fortunate enough to work with a large and diverse workforce meaning that it was a melting pot of cultures. I found it to be somewhat similar to working in Australia but perhaps this was the case because of the diverse work force. I learnt that other business practicum students had quite different experiences.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
I would absolutely welcome the opportunity to work in Indonesia upon finishing my studies.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
It mainly involved exploring outer Jakarta and travelling around Indonesia, otherwise it was looking for the best rooftop bar with our group of friends.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
Way too many to choose from, but perhaps the Sate Ayam from the Warung near my apartment.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Saya suka sate ayam!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I visited Bandung and Bali.