People make things happen!

(Interview: Maaike Dukker-‘t Hart)

‘Next week, I will complete my master’s!’ Rolingka's smile lights up the screen. Despite the poor connection (all the way from Sydney), her enthusiasm shines through. Even with a packed schedule, this spirited alumna is happy to share her story.

Rolingka Angelina is from Indonesia (Jakarta), studied International Facility Management at BUas (then NHTV), spent eight years in commercial real estate services at Colliers in Singapore, and is now working for the University of Wollongong in Sydney (UOW), Australia.

An international career for sure! What makes you such a globetrotter?

‘I didn’t plan for an international career, it just happened. BUas played a big role, especially early on. In my first year, I interned with ISS Amsterdam, assigned to Deloitte in Amstelveen, which introduced me to the real world of Facility Management. Later, I interned with JLL in Jakarta. It was a great opportunity for me to further explore facility management operations as I was assigned to Singapore Bank’s Jakarta branch as an assistant manager. I felt valued and built strong relationships. A JLL colleague forwarded my resume to my final internship company. So, I spent seven months with Colliers International in Singapore, grateful for the projects they entrusted me with. I returned to the Netherlands for my thesis and graduation. While travelling in Europe, Colliers called me and offered me a job as a Senior Workplace Executive in Singapore. My BUas placements gave me the opportunity to work with different cultures and people. Internships shouldn’t be underestimated – they open doors to a whole new world and real-world connections for students.’

Why did you choose Facility Management at BUas (then NHTV) in the first place!?

‘At an education fair in Indonesia, I came across a leaflet about International Facility Management. I didn’t even know what it was – it was a vague concept to me. I looked into it to learn more about career prospects, and where I could find employment with such a degree. I had to convince my parents that Facility Management is a broad field, and that I could apply my knowledge and skills anywhere. Comparing BUas’ curriculum with Singapore’s, I saw a huge difference. I wanted to be involved in management and strategy, so I chose BUas. Their curriculum offered both theory and practical experience through internships. Job ads often require one or two years of experience, which is tough for new graduates. Thanks to my internships, I gained valuable experience and skills, proving I had worked in the field.’

Your LinkedIn profile describes you as a dedicated and ambitious professional, transitioning from a successful eight-year career in Facility Management to the dynamic world of Marketing Analytics. What inspired this plot twist? Does it have something to do with your master’s in Business Analytics & Marketing at the University of Wollongong? 

‘I’ll tell you, you call me a globetrotter, but moving to another country wasn’t easy. Anyway, I was craving new adventures and more knowledge to boost my career. So, I moved to Australia to pursue two master’s programmes in business analytics and marketing – in two years! For me it sounded like an amazing opportunity. I think, it wasn’t a shift from facility management but more an enhancement towards higher-level positions. Working with data and statistics, analysing them, and providing valuable insights is crucial for any company. Combining these analytical skills with marketing strategies has given me strategic foresight and sharpened my problem-solving abilities – skills that are in high demand for the future.’

First finish your master’s and then? What will be the next episode?

‘I’ve just finished both my master’s and everyone keeps asking, what’s next? Some suggest a PhD, but I want to dive into the industry, try new things, and apply what I’ve learnt. I’ve worked with clients from various industries – banking, tech, social media, insurance, financial services, metal and mining, FMCG, and renewable energies. Each providing me with unique experiences. During my master’s, I took a part-time job at the University of Wollongong, where I’m still working today.’

Working at a university, on a casual basis, you said. What do you do, and what does it bring you? 

‘I’m working as a student residential community assistant because I love interacting with fellow students. I can relate to them while also applying my facility management expertise to the role. Additionally, I’m a careers and employability ambassador at UOW. I’ve gained exposure to various industries through events such as Career Expos. They even published an article about my achievements, highlighting the importance of soft and transferable skills in the workplace. In this role, I’ve honed my skills in public speaking, social media management, assertive listening, and collaboration – all of which are essential for my next career steps.’

And where do you want to take those next career steps? What’s your dream country?

‘My dream country right now is Australia. I love the lifestyle, work-life balance, and the fact that it’s an English-speaking country with a vibrant international community. It’s like a perfect mix of the Netherlands and Singapore. Don't get me wrong, I love the Netherlands for its lifestyle and Singapore for its advanced tech. But Australia feels like home. Who knows where I’ll end up, but for now, I’m enjoying the journey.’

Where would you like to end up? I mean, what’s your dream job?

‘My diverse background motivates me to achieve more in any industry I join next, but I would like to jump into FMCG or banking technology. In the end, I mean, my long-term vision is to have my own company – one that runs smoothly with minimal supervision – allowing me to focus on innovation and creating new things. I believe hard work pays off, and I’ll enjoy the journey to make this vision come true. Part of this journey involves working in management and strategy, gaining knowledge and skills, and most importantly, making new connections! Connections are at the heart of business, enhancing collaboration and helping the company thrive. For now, I’m excited to work in the analytics and marketing world.’

Great minds discuss ideas. Let’s discuss and make it happen!

This is also on your LinkedIn profile. The tagline for your future company? Or is it your life motto?

‘This is my motto in life and my inspiration for starting my own company. I realised a while back that I’m a people person. I value people, and they bring ideas to the table. When we discuss ideas, it encourages collaboration, which is another value of mine. Through collaboration, we can turn ideas into reality! Successfully executing ideas empowers people to achieve more and create a positive impact on society and the community. At the end of the day, people are my greatest asset, people make things happen!’

Collaborative leadership style to promote creative thinking and innovation. Commitment to sustainability and making positive impacts in communities. LinkedIn again. Can you give examples to illustrate these points?

‘These ideas tie into my life motto. Reflecting on my leadership in Singapore and during my master’s, I always encouraged my teams to embrace collaboration. Inspired by NIKE’s CEO, I believe in a collaborative style where people share ideas freely, building something great together. I highly value the 3Ps from my BUas bachelor’s degree – People, Planet, Profit. People come first, so making a positive impact in the community is always on my mind. Planet is about sustainability. I saw a wall in Canberra saying, “There is no planet B”, which made me realise that change starts with personal action. I know I can’t make a change on my own, but I also know that when I start something, I hopefully empower others to do the same or even more. So, l hope to inspire others to care about our planet. Profit is essential for any company. By valuing people and sustainability, a company gains a competitive edge and eventually profits.’