LLM Commercial Law
From Aberdeen to International Corporate Law
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
Because the University of Aberdeen has been established for a very long time and is very old. Accordingly, it has so many experiences. Besides, it has a very good image and performance.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I wanted to have international perspectives on commercial law related issues.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
Spending time at parties, picnics, studying and travelling with fellow LLM students and the International Society Club.
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
I enjoyed travelling and taking part in activities with the International Society Club. We can learn so many things from friends from different countries including cooking, songs, cultures, languages, etc. I also joined the Tennis Society.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
They should join the International Society Club so that they will have friends from different countries and learn so many things.
If while at Aberdeen you benefited from a scholarship, what was the scholarship and what difference did it make to your time at Aberdeen?
I received a scholarship for LLM students. It helped with my cost of travelling.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Associate Lawyer with PT Bakrie Investindo and Timeswitch Investment Limited.
What did your first role involve?
I assisted partners, senior lawyers in providing legal advice and opinions and conducted legal research etc.
What is your current role?
Providing legal advice and opinions to management and various teams including engineers, geologists, etc with PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now
After I graduated with a Bachelor of Law in Indonesia, I took courses in London on contract and business law and had an internship at a law firm in London. After a year in London, I went back to Indonesia and joined an investment national company owned by a conglomerate. I moved to a top tier corporate law firm practicing shipping, investment, company and arbitration law. After more than 13 years, I moved PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia, a multinational oil and gas company, headquartered in San Ramon, California, USA. After five years, I was assigned to the USA working with a safety law group specially on crude oil contaminated land recovery/remediation, had various training courses and visits to institutions and attended meetings and events. After more than 11 years with Chevron, I now work with PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan which replaced Chevron managing the Rokan block/working area. I am now serving as Senior Counsel Operation and Senior Counsel Litigation.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
Since the LLM is an international degree, the industry has recognized it. It has a good reputation and is credible. Law firms/companies respect it.
Please share your one top tip that you think is most important for our current students or recent graduates that will help them when starting out on their career paths.
Please make friends with anyone from any country and be opened minded.