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The fruit of studying abroad
In the eyes of alumni of higher education institutions abroad, the success of earning a college degree can be translated as a brighter career development and universal character building
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n the eyes of alumni of higher education institutions abroad, the success of earning a college degree can be translated as a brighter career development and universal character building.
It is true that the main reason for studying abroad is due to systematic learning programs designed according to individual needs. Nevertheless, many who graduated from renowned schools in countries like Singapore, the United States and Australia find the benefits beyond just academic pursuit.
Career development programs at higher institutions abroad are very helpful for securing students employment upon finishing their education. The programs provide a wide range of advising and career resources. Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE) is among the higher institutions that assist students' future planning by means of a career development program.
SIM All-Rounder Student Development Programme (ARS) is designed to equip a select group of final year students with the necessary skills.
With the aim of becoming more employable and competitive in today's tight job market, ARS was launched in early 2009. Employers that have participated in the program have spoken very well of many SIM GE students.
"Getting a job in Singapore is not easy nowadays, but I was so fortunate that the ARS program helped me secure a job," 23-year-old Ferdian Gunawan said.
Ferdian is an Indonesian who earned his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance awarded by the University of London in conjunction with SIM GE. He said ARS helped him gain a lot of knowledge through various workshops and activities. "I especially found the interview workshop in the program very useful."
Ferdian is currently working in Singapore as an export sales executive at Fullmark Pte Ltd., a company that manufactures stationery. His incumbency includes handling foreign market studies and finding new markets for the company to venture into.
For overseas graduates who prefer to return to Indonesia, working at multi-national companies often becomes a career destination.
Santos Thenu, who earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from the Arizona State University, US in 1995, has developed his career working in a number of multi-national companies.
He got his first job at McDonald's Indonesia from the university's career service before climbing higher in his field. He is currently serving as the senior business development manager at Carrefour Indonesia, a position he has held since 2008.
Sonitha Poernomo, who earned a Master of Arts in public relations from Bond University, Australia, believes that blending with friends from different cultures can inculcate in foreign students a sense of tolerance. She is currently Citibank's VP Corporate Affairs.
In line with Sonitha's view, Dini Priadi, head of marketing and communication of Procon, one of Indonesia's renowned property consultancies, said that her overseas educational background has played a great role in her career.
An alumnus of RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, Dini is convinced that much of her self-confidence in dealing with people from different backgrounds is the fruit of her experience in living and studying in Australia.
