Get to Know: David Orlando Kurniawan ’22
In this series, Yale SOM’s Student Ambassadors ask their peers some quick questions about life outside the classroom.
Where are you from?
I come from Indonesia. I’ve moved to different places in Indonesia, but I spent most of my life in Jakarta.
What did you do pre-SOM?
I worked as a product manager at Traveloka, an Indonesian tech unicorn focusing on travel and lifestyle products. My team developed features to enable Traveloka’s users to seamlessly modify their bookings on the Traveloka app. The features became essential during my last days working there as COVID-19 significantly impacted the travel industry. Before Traveloka, I studied electrical engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
What interested you about pursuing an MBA, and what led you to choose SOM?
An MBA interested me for the opportunities to try many new things and learn from classmates from various backgrounds. I was specifically drawn to SOM for its people, who always seek ways to impact society. The people really breathe the school’s mission.
What can we find you doing on a weekend?
You’ll most likely find me at home on a weekend, reading books or playing games (I love playing Cities Skylines or Football Manager). But sometimes I would go out with my close friends, too! On a long weekend in Jakarta, usually I am tempted to fly to my mother’s hometown in Bali for a short escape.
Who is your role model, and why?
BJ Habibie, Indonesia’s third president. He was the one who first envisioned a future with science and technology as the country’s foundation, inspiring generations of Indonesian scientists and engineers until today. I adore his dedication to what he loved: aviation, his country, and his family.
When the world reopens, where is the first place you’ll go?
Turin, Italy. I miss the atmosphere of soccer stadiums, and watching my favorite soccer team, Juventus, live is something I look forward to when the world reopens.
What advice would you give prospective students?
Enjoy the application process! Use the time not just to maximize your test score or craft an excellent application, but also to discover your strengths and what you want to do in life. I found that going through the process last year was fulfilling in and of itself because it helped me understand myself better and see my long-term goals more clearly.
