Achiever of the week: Nita Santika

Jan 04, 2021 | By Nqobile Mdima 

This week’s feature is Nita Santika. Nita is from Indonesia. She holds a Diploma in International Trade and Finance (CITF) from The London Institute of Banking & Finance (England), a Double Degree, Bachelor of Law & Business from Bandung College of Law & Utrecht University (Netherland), a Master of International Business from The University of Auckland (New Zealand) and a Double Degree on Master in Economic & Public Affairs from Chongqing University (China).

Nita is currently working as a Global Business Development, Marketing & Communication Manager for an American company. She is also a Social Worker. She has been living abroad for over 15 years. Nita was found by her organisation on LinkedIn and received an offer for the new role and department that they created just for her. Before she moved to China she was working in America, then later the company sent her to work in an office in China while working remotely with the headquater in Colorado. Nita has been to 5 continents and reached over 100 places. When Nita is not working she loves spending quality time with her friends fellowshipping, cooking meals together, watching movies and going shopping. She also likes trying new restaurants, especially family-owned and operated establishments. When Shes by herself she enjoys reading a good book, playing golf or working out.

Nita shares with us her career journey, her experience as an international student, how she got a job through LinkedIn, tips on using LinkedIn for getting opportunities, travel tips, how to make the most of the expat experience and more. 

Was it always your goal to live abroad? 

People knew me as a hodophile. I guess it’s all because I love road trips. From the time I was quite little, my family took me from place to place. They are passionate about travelling and have never left me behind. I’ve never wanted it, but here I am and my life.  Now,  I find myself flying to hundreds of places, going to some places I’ve never been before. It brings power and love back into my life. Adventure is worthwhile!

How did you find your current job?

The organisation found me. I got a ring from the HR director in the middle of the night. He was the one who found my LinkedIn page and showed interest on my career highlights. I travelled to different cities and countries to do interviews. It was 6 smooth interviews in total before I received an offer for the new role and department that they created just for me in order to fit my areas. Bingo! This is a big win for me knowing their fourth decades of business. I'm blessed.

 Why did you decide to move to China? 

I didn't plan to move to China. But God spoke other way. I came here in 2015 for my degree and left the country years after for my job in the United States. They sent me back here to do some work meanwhile working remotely with the headquater in Colorado.

How can others use social media e.g. LinkedIn for career development so they can find opportunities like you did?

• Here some tips for you.
• Keep your profile up to date.
• Be comprehensive about current skills and objectives.
• Highlight your recent experience.
• Build your network to the 1st degree.
• Get involved in LinkedIn Professional Groups.
• Research your future boss and executive team.
• Follow and stay update with whatever in which company you want to work with.
• Network after business hours (virtually).

What are the benefits of working for an International company and how has it helped you develop your career? 

The lifestyle factors of working for a global company are not to be underestimated. I’m going to give you more reasons why you shall take this opportunity.

1. It increases your value to employers.(This is the most important. if you have this international experience, you are more attractive to employers and more likely to be involved in interesting multicultural environments and expansion projects for your employer. Moreover, to have this experience on your CV will give you a valuable competitive advantage when you return home. A global perspective is highly regarded by employers, which will open you up to excellent opportunities into the future.) 
2. Networking. 
3. Globally-minded & Cultural awareness .
4. Insights and creativity thrive .
5. It gives you the experience to move internationally. 
6. Free exposure to other languages and communication skills .
7. Plenty of holiday destination ideas .

 Where can others apply if they are interested to work for your company? 

Feel free to reach me out to seek any new open position.

Which other websites do you know that shares international opportunities? 

There are plenty of resources on google to find those opportunities. You need to know your dream work, “long-term career planning” such as which company do you want to work with, what position, etc. I advise you must also stay updated on the company’s career page website.

You obtained most of your degrees abroad, how was it like being an International student? What were the advantages and disadvantages?

The advantages of studying abroad include learning a new language, boosting resume and experiencing new things, while the disadvantages include crippling homesickness, high costs and cultural barriers. But here’s my key “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” .

When did you start learning Chinese? What helped you improve your Chinese Language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing)? 

I started learning Mandarin and Chinese culture a month before my arrival. I ensure that I know all the basics before my arrival. I used all my experiences to have good shock preparation. A skydiver doesn’t jump without a parachute!

I don’t find any difficulties in Mandarin. I’m good at learning languages. This is my 6th language. In addition, My degree was taught in mandarin and my thesis was also written in Mandarin. I also read all books in Mandarin and spoke with it. So you can guess, how good I am😀

 Is it possible to study or work in China if you don’t know Chinese? 

It might work for some people. But I wouldn’t suggest it for those people who will live in China for more than a year. There is nothing wrong with learning Mandarin. Your brain needs some exercise anyway. So feed it with this beautiful language to improve its function.

You have been away from home for a long time, what are your survival hacks as an expat? 

1P 5B’s

Prayer and 5B’s to have a happy expat life

-Be curious

-Be learning-oriented

-Be socially connected

-Be grateful

-Be patient

You travel often, How many countries have you travelled to? And which country is your favourite and why?

How many countries? How many cities? How many islands? We need to stop here. I have been to 5 continents and reached over 100 places.

So far, I mostly enjoy my time in Manchester, New Zealand, Dubai, Japan, Amsterdam, Nigeria and Texas. These countries and cities stole my heart and I might spend the rest of my life in one of these places.

1. Spend your miles. 
2. Flip the way you plan a trip (I recommend selecting your location and dates based on the best available deals). 
3. Buy in the right window of time (Don’t Buy Tickets on a Weekend). 
4. Buy Your Ticket 47 Days Before a Trip. 
5. Choose a Flight With Your Destination as a Layover. 
6. Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 
7. Fly between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., or after 8 p.m.
8. Look for the deals and Fly No Frill Airlines
9. Opt for Non-Refundable Tickets
10. Use Travel Credit Cards For Rewards
11. Look at budget airlines, but don’t discount legacy carriers.
12. Always compare the cost of upgrading vs the cost of extras.
13. Use map features to find the cheapest place to go for your travel window.
14. If you’re interested in flying in a premium class but can’t afford to buy an upgraded seat, look to see if you can bid on an upgrade.
15. If you want to visit multiple cities, look at flying open-jaw.
16. Plan a long layover to see another city.
17. Look for free stopover tours and hotels.
18. Join the airline's loyalty program.
19. Open an airline co-branded credit card.

Money Saving Tips for Booking Hotel:

1. Stick to budget
2. Don’t be Scared to Ask For Upgrades
3. Be flexible
4. Choose Your Date & Location Wisely
5. Join Rewards Programs
6. Consider a Hotel Credit Card Offer
7. Revisit the Same Hotel 

Tips to exploring the travel destination:

1. Slow Down To Enjoy Your Trip
2. Go On Free Walking Tours
3. Volunteer Occasionally
4. Take Lots Of Epic Travel Photos
5. Don’t Get Discouraged
6. Eat Local Food Frequently
7. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone
8. Keep An Open Mind
9. Get Lost On Purpose
10. Laugh At Yourself Sometimes
11. Take home a souvenir
12. Talk to Strangers

Which airlines do use when booking international flights and when booking domestic flights? 

International Flights

•Cathay Pacific and Singapore airlines to fly within Asian countries

•Etihad and Emirates are chosen to visit any African country and the USA

•I fly to Australia, New Zealand and European countries with Qantas, Finnair and Singapore Airlines

For domestic flight, I fly with their partner airlines to earn more miles.

You have worked with the United Nations and you are still involved in community development projects. Why is it important for you to give back to the community? 

My life is to serve God by serving others. My parents taught me that if you help people by volunteering your time, money, or energy doesn’t just make the world better but also makes you better. It boosts your happiness, health, and sense of well-being.

My time as a social worker isn't always fun. My duties can often be difficult and a challenge. However, I enjoy it. The feelings of contributing to others and my community have always boosted my awareness of the blessings in my life.

I'm always looking the opportunity to serve others. Every morning I wake up, looking at my hands and pray that God will use my hands to bless people more.  

How has living abroad, especially alone, influenced your character?

The place where I live now is part of my path and God’s plan. If you don’t believe in it, then you need to go back to where you were and start again. There is  a lot of freedom when you’re living alone either in your country or abroad. But, I always stay focused on why I am here and keep my path straight. I build personal boundaries around me that provides a safe haven for me to be at my best.

Did you find the preparation process to move to China easy or difficult? 

Not at all, everything was smooth. I’ve never found any difficulties to move from country to country.

Which books would you highly recommend for developing an international career and for personal development that have helped you in your journey? 

Honestly, I don’t really read such books. The book that I read is my self! There are many stories to dig in inside of me. Please underline, the best book for you to read about personal development is YOU and YOUR BOOK! And you can get knowledge from there and get the wisdom how to developing your career.

What do you do for fun in Xian city? 

The world would be a boring place if no one could do anything. For fun I love to spend quality time with my friends by doing fellowship, cooking a meal together and watching a movie - or enjoying a day of shopping- I am happy. I also like to try new restaurants- especially family-owned and operated establishments. When I’m by myself I really enjoy reading a good book, play golf or working out. I’m addicted to lifting. I was dreaming to become a powerlifter.

What are your future plans? 

To finish my book & organisation’s project, retire early at 35 and spent years living for Fridays.