Born and raised for the most part in Singapore, though a native of Indonesia, due to the turbulent political situation in Singapore I was sent to a boarding school called Timbertop near Melbourne in Australia, then later to Geelong Grammar School, a top-rated school about 40 miles from Melbourne.
I excelled in my academic studies at Geelong Grammar, and when I graduated in 2006 I was – to my surprise and pleasure – offered a place in the Singaporean National Army and was accepted for the Officer’s Cadet Program. I found that the training was both demanding and rigorous, but I was up to the challenges involved and ultimately was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry. I was actually posted to a Naval Base where my duties required me to oversee the fitness, training and discipline of 60 men, and the live firing exercises of over 200 men during the training of junior cadets. My organizational skills were often tested, overseeing everyday naval activities such as the docking and refueling of international warships whose security and safety fell under my jurisdiction.
I was later promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. By successfully completing the grueling military training program, I became more physically fit and in better shape than I had ever been in my whole life, with a discipline and work ethic that was unparalleled amongst my peers. I realized I could achieve anything I set my mind to, so decided to relocate to the USA to continue my education, and to give myself greater opportunities in life.
For the last two years I have attended Santa Monica College, but am now ready to take on a bigger challenge, which is why I am applying to join the USC MBA program.
I believe that my educational and other experiences to date have fully prepared and equipped me for this program, which is ideal for my continuing education and future objectives. The demand for those who are well-versed in the paths of globalization is currently high, which is another advantage for me.
I am dedicated, determined and persistent when it comes to my studies and my achievements, and I believe that my cultural background has given me a broad perspective on the world, which perhaps gives me that edge that makes the difference and makes me an ideal fit for the USC Marshall MBA community. I note from the USC Marshall School of Business website that diversity of ideas, opinions and experiences is considered key to resolving business problems, and I believe I can make valuable contributions in that regard. I can also see from that same website that my age and work experience make me just about typical of the current admissions and further that I will be part of a significant minority of international students who will comprise around a quarter of the 2015 intake.
I have the necessary international and work experience qualifications and am confident that I can not only fit in with other students and the faculty professionals, but that I can achieve academic success as well as broadening my experience and actively participating in networking. I am especially interested in the future networking opportunities afforded by the internationally-recognized Trojan network, which I am certain will be of inestimable value in the future when I establish my own business. The global nature of that network means that wherever I establish my business, there will be contacts nearby that will prove to be of mutual benefit. In time I have no doubt that I will be in an ideal position to help others starting out themselves, thereby fully participating in the aims and spirit of the Trojan network.
