William Ndut

Qualification: Master of Strategic Communication
Year of Graduation: 2019
Education Provider: The University of Western Australia
Job Title: PR & Corporate Communications Lead and University Lecturer
Employers: Stockbit, Bibit.id and the University of Indonesia
Country of Origin: Indonesia

Are there any notable experiences from your time studying you'd like to share?

During the pursuit of my Master’s degree, I authored a book about my life and academic journey from Jakarta to Perth, project managed the ‘Discover Your Dreams in Western Australia’ study tour, assisted new international students as a UniMentor, and worked as a Market Research Analyst at the Cooperative Research Centre For Honey Bee Products (CRCHBP). It was also a big milestone when I was chosen as a UWA UniBuddy Student Ambassador and a StudyPerth International Student Ambassador in July 2019. Finally, in October 2019 and I was given an opportunity to be the Plenary Speaker at the 33rd Australian International Education Conference (AIEC). I have nothing more to say than “Thank God, thank you UWA, and thank you StudyPerth!”

If you could tell your graduate self one piece of career advice what would it be and why?

Your professional career is no different from building a house. Build it one brick at a time. Do it one step at a time. While it’s important to have a vision or blueprint of how your career is going to be, keep in mind that massive change doesn’t happen overnight. Trust the process and never lose sight of giving positive contributions along your way no matter how small it is. Always remember what Mother Teresa said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

Tell us about your experience since leaving UWA. How has your career progressed to date? Any professional achievements you'd like to share?

Upon my graduation in December 2019, I worked as an Academic Tutor at UWA Business School for one semester. In July 2020 I came back to Jakarta and worked as a Communication Director for the Indonesia FinTech Association, where I met many start-up founders and learned a lot about the financial industry in Indonesia. After one year, I continued my journey to work in the fintech sector at Stockbit and Bibit.id, an award-winning start-up that democratises access to investment in Indonesia’s capital market. I’m lucky to have met my directors who provide 100% support for both my professional development at the company and my community-service initiatives, by allowing me to work as a part-time lecturer at the University of Indonesia.

What are some of your passions and interests?

I’ve always been a strong advocate of education and communication for the betterment of society. My personal and professional life is all about teaching, sharing knowledge through various forums, writing books and articles, and working at companies and organisations that have noble missions. When I have free time, I usually play lawn tennis with my mates.

What are the top 3 skills you need in your role as a PR and Corporate Communications Lead?

• Critical thinking.
• The ability to reach mutual understanding and focus on win-win solutions with others.
• Strategic communication, both oral and written.

How has your technical and operational experience assisted you in your role?

To be a seasoned communicator, one needs to have high exposure to personal and professional experiences dealing with people from all walks of life, challenges in various aspects of work, and technical knowledge of the sector. My experience so far has enabled me to be a more mature communicator who understands the context of communication and acts accordingly to meet the goals of the organisation and companies that I represent.

What was your main reason(s) to select Perth as your study destination?

I came to Perth to study at UWA, which is one of the Go8 universities in Australia listed among the World’s Top 100 universities. On the other hand, Jakarta – the place I’m originally from – is only 4.5 hours away and only has a 1 hour time difference from Perth.

What have you enjoyed the most about living and studying in Perth?

I enjoyed the most basic aspects from the fresh air, blue sky, sunlight, pristine beaches, and picturesque views to the quality education and supportive people I met through my study and extracurricular activities. On a separate note, my son was born in Perth, and I think it strengthened my emotional bond with this city.

What would you say to students thinking of coming to Perth to study?

Perth is a big stage for you to shine. Come here, make friends with locals and international communities, build your network because your network means your net worth, and make unforgettable memories at one of the most captivating places on earth.

Did you use any of the StudyPerth service offerings during your time studying? And if so, which support services were helpful?

More than just maximising StudyPerth's services, I immersed myself in all StudyPerth-led initiatives during my time as a StudyPerth International Student Ambassador (the first cohort). I’m very thankful for StudyPerth for the workshops and professional development classes I received – which kept me motivated especially during the beginning of the pandemic – as well as networking opportunities with professionals from various industries and some fun activities such as filming days and a trip to Rottnest Island.