Billy Sudiarto

Why did you choose the MILR program?

The MILR program is a leading professional degree in the field of HR and Industrial/Labor Relations, and one of the ways to prove that is through seeing the many successful alumni who are sitting at the HR executives and leadership level of the world's leading companies. I was ultimately drawn to the program by its unparalleled resources and the interdisciplinary curriculum that the ILR School and Cornell have to offer. There is also a great opportunity to make your time at ILR as personalized as you want. From taking on elective classes at the different schools (Business, Hotel, Computer Science, Law, schools, etc), joining different organizations on campus, to getting additional experience as a Teaching or Research Assistant in between your classes - the world (or school) is really your oyster!

What is your favorite part of the MILR program?

The diversity of MILRs cohorts as well as faculties have been my favorite part of the program. Not only that you are supported by all the expert faculty at ILR, but there is also so much to learn from each other where students are bringing a vast array of professional experience as well as the cultural background to the program. With an average of 50-60 people per cohort, it makes a tight-knit & supportive group. I am also joining one of the largest and best professional networks in the field by having ILR alumni working in so many renowned organizations around the world. I am excited to utilize the network I develop in the years to come.

What is your favorite class?

My favorite class so far is Design Thinking and Organizational Behavior. I particularly enjoy how Prof. Chris Collins and Prof. Brian Lucas are challenging us to apply theoretical knowledge to everyday business and real-life situations of leading & managing organizations. From identifying biases to using tactics to influence, and persuading decision-making using a data-driven approach, we learn about all the integral parts of being a better HR leader.

What is your favorite part of Ithaca?

I had never been to Ithaca before my first day of MILR orientation, and when people say Ithaca is beautiful they really mean it! I am still in awe with so many outdoor activities and natural sites you could do within minutes of campus. Who knows that you can enjoy beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and trails all on your "walk to classes" right in the middle of campus? If you haven't, go check out the map of Cornell Botanic Gardens, and you will know what I am talking about :)

What advice would you give a prospective student?

I would strongly recommend any prospective student to take the time and connect with at least one current student and one alumni of the program. I believe there is no better way to learn if MILR is a good fit for you than hearing from the people who have been there (the ILR Graduate Office is also happy to help you find someone to connect with!). Additionally, I would also say to be curious about the "stories" of the people you meet during your time at Cornell - you are only a conversation away from discovering something you didn’t know before!

More about Billy:

Undergraduate Degree:

• HR Management & Business major at Indiana University Bloomington

Prior Work Experience:

• Talent & Culture Graduate Intern at KPMG
• Assistant Vice President in Talent, Learning, and Diversity at Citi
• Analyst in Learning & Development and Compensation (rotational program) at Citi
• HR Leadership Intern at Sony PlayStation