Ari Adipratomo

Degree: Master of International Relations
Year of graduation: 2020
Current organisation: World Resources Institute, Indonesia
Title: Senior Technical Officer

1. What attracted you to studying Arts & Social Sciences at UNSW?

There were several things that attracted me to study International Relations at UNSW Arts & Social Sciences - not only UNSW's worldwide reputation and ranking, not only its highly competent instructors, but also because of how warm and open the academic community is to international students like me. Moreover, the city of Sydney is equally vivacious and warm, offering not only the opportunity to network internationally but also to place the city of Sydney in a special place in my heart.

2. Did you always have a clear idea of what you wanted to do after completing your degree?

I have made plans to return to work in the sustainable development sector after completing my education at UNSW. The issue of sustainable development is something that I think will remain relevant for the next few decades. With my increased capacity after completing my studies at UNSW, I will undoubtedly be able to boost my career in this sector.

3. How did your time at UNSW help shape who you are today?

Studying at UNSW has given me a lot of valuable insights and knowledge, this is supported by the support of a very dynamic academic world at UNSW which has wholly improved my capacity and made me successfully occupy the position of Senior Technical Officer in one of the prestigious international research base NGOs in Indonesia.

4. How did studying Arts & Social Sciences at UNSW help you develop transferable skills?

The academic dynamics at UNSW, especially in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, have been designed in such a way as to improve my transferable skills. Through various group assignments, dynamic discussions in a diverse international student environment have significantly sharpened my abilities in terms of research and analytical skills, communication, and teamwork - three of the primary skills needed in the professional world nowadays.

5. How did studying Arts & Social Sciences at UNSW help form your view on the world and the contemporary issues we face today?

For me, the learning experience and interaction with international students from every corner of the world while studying at UNSW has significantly enhanced my understanding of the various contemporary issues facing humanity today. With rich discussion in each class session, there were a lot of new perspectives that I gain on particular issues, and this certainly adds to the depth of my understanding of the various contemporary issues that I explored. With these various abundant views, it has increased my understanding of the root causes and potential solutions to the various contemporary issues we currently face.

6. How did UNSW Arts & Social Sciences help prepare you for the workforce throughout your degree?

Through a globally-oriented curriculum, as well as internationally competent teaching staff, UNSW has increased not only my capacity but also increased my competitive value in the workforce. The experience and networking that I gained at UNSW has positively supported my career.

7. How did you get your foot in the door as a graduate, following the completion of your degree?

I graduated with a Masters degree which makes it easier to transition into more senior positions. It also helped me gain specialised knowledge to advance in my field. As the workforce evolves, a graduate degree shows that I am dedicated to enhancing my industry expertise and credibility.

8. What advice would you give to someone considering studying Arts at UNSW?

The opportunities and moments of studying at UNSW must be utilised as best as possible. The UNSW academic community is full of impressive talents, ranging from teaching staff to students. Teaching staff possess not only brilliant knowledge but also impressive work experience, research, and networking. International students at UNSW also have experiences that are no less impressive, and many of them have a fantastic record of making positive changes and impacts in the world. I understand that sometimes college life and assignments can be stressful, but try to balance it out by enjoying the impressive campus vibe and the amazing culture of Sydney. Try sunbathing and enjoying the atmosphere on the library lawn; or spend a day visiting the beautiful beaches near campus; follow campus activities and use your time at UNSW as well as possible.

9. What was your experience like as an international student studying Arts & Social Sciences at UNSW?

The opportunity to study at UNSW is one of the most memorable chapters in my life journey. Not only was I allowed to increase my capacity, talents, and competitive value, but I was also able to expand my professional network, draw lots of valuable experience and have the opportunity to view various corners of Australia, which were extraordinarily beautiful. This, plus the status as a member of the family of UNSW, one of the 100 best universities in the world, makes me proud to say that Sydney is my second home.

10. Why do you Love What You Do?

The issue of climate change is an issue that is dear to my heart. But to tackle climate change, we certainly need the participation of all parties. It is this passion for making change that drives me to do this work, to love what I do. Because working in the sustainable development sector takes great effort to adapt and mitigate climate change, it is incredibly personally rewarding and satisfying. A satisfaction that is not replaced by material value when you can encourage people around you to do a little good for our fragile earth, to make small changes for this earth. This also encourages me not to limit myself by helping the Indonesian government in terms of low carbon development policies, but also advocating to the grassroots, through the Indonesian scout movement, the largest youth organization in the world with more than 22 million active members. Seeing the burning passion in the eyes of the young people provides a glimmer of hope for the better future of the earth. In this way I devoted myself, I have tried to carry out the mandate of the founder of the world scouting movement: to leave this world a little better than you found it. Doing small things in the capacity that I can to make positive change is the main thing that makes me love what I do.