Jakarta The American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham Indonesia) held its seventh annual career fair, in cooperation with the America Center at the US Embassy in Jakarta and a number of American companies operating in Indonesia, on August 31 and September 1.
US corporate sponsors of the event included Cargill, PepsiCo, ExxonMobil, Honeywell, Apple Developer Academy, Starbucks, and VisionEase, and were joined by Indonesian foundations, the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies, and the Jakarta Intercultural School, along with multinational corporations RSM and Colliers. Company representatives deal directly with young Indonesian professionals, displaying job openings and offering advice to those hoping to start or develop their careers. This year, USAID also joined in promoting its programs in Indonesia.
“It is encouraging and helpful to see so many people wanting to engage with our companies at this gathering of career fairs,” said Len Newman, Managing Director of AmCham Indonesia. “There is a real spirit here of wanting to improve, build a career and try new things.”
The AmCham Indonesia Career Fair began in 2013 and has become an annual tradition, supported by the US Embassy’s @america platform. As in past years, the two-day event also included skill-building events, including resume tips and tips on presenting oneself during a job interview. Simulations with HR representatives showed young people how to present their skills more confidently and effectively.
Public Affairs Counselor at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Jason B. Rebholz, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Career Fair highlights the important economic ties between the United States and Indonesia, especially the influence of American companies based here. “This event not only showcases the diverse talents and skills of Indonesia’s workforce, but also underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Indonesia and the United States that has been built on shared values of democracy, innovation, and economic prosperity, and has evolved into a partnership.” Which extends across many sectors.”
Key players in growing industries shared their time with job seekers, offering advice and insights from their career paths. Zaid Elmi, general manager of Boeing’s Indonesia operations, said that while his field of study may have helped him land a job interview, it is also important to maintain a good attitude and sharpen creative thinking to achieve success in your career. .
PepsiCo, which on the first day of the show announced a $200 million investment to build a new factory in West Java, said it has begun hiring to help grow its presence in Indonesia. Working in a multinational company is a positive experience, where people are valued for themselves, whatever their strengths, said Gabrielle Angriani, Director of Government Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at PepsiCo Indonesia.
Phil Wera, a design mentor at the Apple Developer Academy, shared his experience switching careers from architecture to working in the tech industry, and highlighted the importance of being comfortable with change.
In one popular session, executives from Cargill and Honeywell explained the traits companies look for in potential job candidates. Aside from soft and hard skills, there are three Cargill core values that every job seeker should intersect with – Reaching Higher, Putting People First, and Doing the Right Thing – according to Cargill Indonesia HR Director, Maris Rahadian. Cargill also looks for people who can always become a better version of themselves day after day.
For Honeywell, it is important for potential candidates to understand the importance of an inclusive and diverse work environment, along with the importance of technology in changing the world and people’s livelihoods, according to Iqbal Akbar, director of strategic marketing and business development at Honeywell Southeast Asia. .
Both speaker sessions were moderated by AmCham Indonesia Board of Governors member and partner at law firm SSEK Stephen Waroka, along with AmCham Indonesia Head of Corporate Citizenship and Mars Wrigley Indonesia Director of Corporate Affairs Jeffrey Hariboo.
AmCham Indonesia has a dedicated Education and Workforce Development Committee, along with an active Human Resources Committee. The two committees focus on providing a hub for multinational companies in Indonesia to exchange best practices in education and human development, linking the private sector with local organizations, and finding different ways for private sector actors to collaborate with each other to improve the country’s workforce. .
For more information, contact Patricia Puspitasari at puspitasari.pat2@amcham.or.id.
