Exploring career paths during university can be overwhelming, but for Jessica Tania, our student in IBM Global Class BINUSIAN 2026, it became a journey of discovery that led her to the world of Human Resources (HR). Through hands-on experiences in both manufacturing and hospitality, Jessica proves that career paths are not limited by your major. Currently interning as an HR Business Partner at APP Paper, a Top Manufacturing Company, and previously serving as an HR Generalist Intern at 5 Star Hotel Tentrem, Jessica has experienced two vastly different industries early in her career.

 

 

Discovering Her Passion: IBM’s Flexibility

Jessica’s interest in HR did not come instantly. It was shaped by the flexibility of the International Business Management (IBM) program at BINUS University. IBM serves her variety of business courses started from Financial Management to HR. According to her, one of IBM’s biggest strengths is exposure. “The great thing about IBM is the flexibility. You’re not tied to just one path. I took classes ranging from finance to HR, and that exposure helped me discover what I really enjoy.”

Her turning point came during a study abroad program at Sungkyungwan University, South Korea, where she took courses in organizational behavior and worked with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Interacting with peers from Germany and Korea exposed her to different workplace cultures and taught her an important HR lesson: openness.

 

 

Learning Beyond Classroom

Jessica believes that real learning begins outside lectures. One of her most memorable experiences was working in Hotel Tentrem, where she dealt directly with operational HR challenges. Coming from a classroom environment, the transition wasn’t easy. “Learning HR in class and practicing it in real life are completely different. In hospitality, everything is fast-paced and people come to you with real problems. You have to be mentally and physically ready.” In Tentrem, she wasn’t just handling administrative work. She was involved in event preparation, coordination, and employee support. This represents a dynamic environment that demanded adaptability.

Meanwhile, her role at APP Paper Manufacturing provided a contrasting experience. Unlike hospitality, the corporate environment focused more on structured processes and administrative HR functions. “It opened my eyes. Field experience is very fast and hands-on, while corporate is more structured and sustainable in terms of workflow.”

 

 

When asked about her greatest achievement, Jessica didn’t mention titles or positions. Instead, she talked about people. “The biggest achievement is seeing the people I recruited grow and knowing I helped solve their problems.” She also shared how meaningful it was to become someone employees could rely on, especially during her time in hospitality. “Sometimes you become more than HR. You become a counselor.”

 

Tips, Tricks, and Final Message

One of Jessica’s biggest messages to students is simple but powerful: your major does not define your career. “Don’t let your major imprison your career. IBM is not just about business development or export-import. You can explore so much more.”

For students considering IBM or currently navigating their studies, Jessica leaves two heartfelt messages.

 

 

For future students:
“Go ahead and explore. IBM lets you experience many fields; finance, logistics, HR. Take that chance.”

For current students:
“Have fun, but also work hard. Finding what you really want is very important. I believe you’ll figure it out, especially if you explore beyond the classroom.”