Jumping Right In
Entrepreneurship major Indah Gunawan may only be a sophomore but she’s already paving her way to post-graduate success by taking advantage of the many academic and professional opportunities surrounding her on the bluff. Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, Indah hopes to one day become the founder of her own cosmetics brand, among other ventures, and feels that LMU is giving her the boldness to stand out from the pack.
Indah was drawn to LMU for its nationally-ranked Entrepreneurship program and close proximity to the opportunities in Silicon Beach, but says that LMU’s International Orientation set the tone for an auspicious beginning to her college career.
“Being able to connect with other international students while learning American culture was very beneficial and one of my best experiences at LMU,” Indah said. “It’s how I met a lot of my friends and the Office for International Students and Scholars continues to hold events for us every once in a while, giving our international family a chance to reunite.”
Currently, 10 percent of LMU’s population is comprised of international students, hailing from over 90 countries around the globe.
Indah says there are a number of ways that LMU aims to help students succeed, including early professional advancement through collaboration with LMU Career and Professional Development, a one-stop shop for everything from career advisement to mock interview workshops.
“LMU actively helps its students try to land internship and job opportunities,” Indah said. “I’ve been dropping into the CPD office this semester quite often to get help on my resume and cover letter, and I’m so thankful that they are there to help make the process of establishing myself professionally a lot easier.”
In fact, Indah has already snagged internship interviews with financial services company Morgan Stanley and a local real estate firm. In the classroom, Indah says she has been very impressed with the Entrepreneurship program’s range of unique courses, including the Business Incubator, which gives a select group of students the workspace and guidance to test out their entrepreneurial endeavors. Indah recently submitted a “new pitch” application for a dry cleaning app.
Indah adds that LMU professors really take the time to engage with students, making good on the university’s student to teacher ratio of 11-to-1.
“The professors at LMU really look out for their students,” Indah said. “For example, my economics professor, Matthew Hill, made me love economics so much I almost considered double-majoring!”
When not in classes, Indah is involved in a number of campus pursuits, including Finance Society, Accounting Society, Entrepreneurship Society, the club Indonesians at LMU and she also recently applied to be an International Orientation Leader.
As for what advice Indah has for future lions?
“LMU offers its students so many opportunities, but it’s up to you to seize them,” Indah said. “Take advantage of the school’s size – it’s so much easier to get to know the people and professors. It’s a community.”