“My name is Novi Samodro. I studied at Poltekpar Bandung in the Bakery and Pastry Production program, starting in 1988. I graduated in 1990. I did not work in the hotel industry because, during my studies in Pastry around the 90s, it was not like today where there are many formulas or tools available, or where you can easily find recipes on the internet. Back then, we made bread entirely from scratch. After graduating, I decided not to work in the hotel industry, so I worked in a bank. Why was I accepted at the bank even though I graduated in hospitality? Because of my English skills. Back in the 90s, not many people could speak English, whereas in hospitality, we already had a decent command of the language.
“After one year in the bank, I realized it was not for me. Luckily, I had the opportunity to study Hotel Management in America because my Bakery and Pastry Production program at Poltekpar was only two years long. After one year at the bank, I went to America to take the Hotel Management program. After that, I returned to the hospitality industry but not in the kitchen anymore.
“I started my career as a guest relation officer at a hotel in Bali called Bali Cliff, which no longer exists. Then I joined Shangri-La for its grand opening in 1994 and moved into sales. From guest relations in Bali for one year, I switched to sales, still in Bali. I worked in events, catering, and mostly in sales. In 2011, I moved to Dharmawangsa Hotel.
“Previously, I spent six years at Four Seasons and almost all major hotel chains: from Shangri-La, Intercon, Hilton, Four Seasons, and finally to Dharmawangsa in 2011 as Director of Sales and Marketing. I spent a total of nine years at Dharmawangsa, including the last three years as General Manager before moving to The Gaia Hotel Bandung. This is my third year at The Gaia Bandung.
“I started when the hotel was still under construction until it opened, and now it’s entering its second year. I’m the General Manager at The Gaia Hotel. The reason I returned to the hospitality industry from banking is that I saw a different passion. During my two years studying hospitality, I felt a very fast-paced environment. When I tried to switch to a different field, I found myself constantly checking the clock, waiting for 5 PM, whereas in the hotel, especially when working in the kitchen, time flew by.
“Poltekpar is number one. Studying there is not just about academics; they also build character and develop future leaders with incredible discipline. Poltekpar graduates are ready to work because during our studies, we undergo job training outside the campus, in hotels, where we learn to work. My experience during job training often attracted attention from the companies we trained with, and if our performance was good, we could be hired immediately after graduation. So, 99% of Poltekpar graduates get jobs right away, but it also depends on our willingness. When it comes to theory, Poltekpar graduates have great potential for employment.
“My advice for those entering higher education is to follow your interests and talents. Follow your passion. Don’t be afraid to try. Look at how successful the alumni are when deciding on Poltekpar.
“If you want to get a job quickly or start a business, study at Poltekpar.”
