Scenny Fryson Manoe is a Branch Manager Of Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL) in Semarang. In this article, he shares his inspiring journey of becoming a branch manager in one of Indonesia’s leading domestic shipping companies. Scenny discusses his career path, the skills that are beneficial and required for his success, and valuable advice for students and alumni who are aiming to follow his route.
SPIL is a supply chain management company specializing in cargo shipping via containers. Due to its development, SPIL successfully opened 36 branches across Indonesia. Although SPIL primarily supports the nation’s economy through maritime logistics, it also facilitates land, sea, and air transportation, not only focusing on water-based transportation. The company collaborates with trucking firms and other partners to ensure seamless service. In this company, Scenny holds an important role in supervising sales and marketing operations.
Scenny’s journey with SPIL began through a management trainee program, which offered opportunities to graduates from all majors. “This (management trainee program) gave us all the opportunity to join them in certain positions, but we had to go through training first. After hearing the news, I immediately applied; I submitted my CV at the Job Fair,” he recalls. In the management trainee program, the trainees had to be willing to be placed anywhere. Thus, during his training program, he was placed in Makassar, Tarakan, and other areas in Indonesia. After finishing his management training program, he had to undergo job training, then a civil service contract, and finally become a permanent employee. He shared that his persistence in securing his position was worth the effort, as it offers a promising career path.
Scenny’s college years at the English Department were marked by active involvement in organizational activities. One of his most memorable moments was becoming the coordinator of the Gathering Night. His involvement in organizational activities helped him to be resilient and shaped his professional attitudes. Other than that, his skills from business correspondence courses also assisted him to navigate his career in SPIL. “Perhaps academically, the required skills (to work in this field) aren't exactly taught in the English Language and Literature major, but because I was involved in an organization and took business correspondence courses, these skills have become fundamental for me to work at this company,” he says. These experiences honed his adaptability and communication abilities, which are critical in his current role.
Scenny undoubtedly faced many challenges in his job. One of the challenges is adapting to the vast development of technology as a millennial branch manager. Other than that, he also has to possess a high learning drive, not to only want to learn things he enjoys. He needs to be constantly creative as well, as the company demands continuous improvements and new ideas. Through these challenges, Scenny emphasizes the need for adaptability and a willingness to learn beyond one’s comfort zone. Living far from family, as well as sacrificing his youth and personal time, are part of the challenges in his career, but the rewards are evident in his achievements.
One of Scenny’s most memorable achievements was earning a Continuous Improvement award at SPIL’s Tarakan branch. “This makes me proud because even when I was transferred to another branch, I didn't leave bad things behind. There are standards that my team and I have established, and they can continue to be implemented by the next team,” he shares proudly. His ability to drive results across various branches, from staff to supervisor to manager, underscores his dedication and leadership.
To thrive in SPIL’s dynamic environment, Scenny underscores the importance of adaptability. “To be adaptable in my job, I have to be willing to learn operational matters, such as shipping and finance, so that if an employee from another division is on leave or unable to attend, I can provide backup,” he explains. Not only that, employees also need to build connections with stakeholders and other partners. By acknowledging clients’ needs and maintaining long-term partnerships, clients will be willing to repeat their orders.
During the interview, Scenny shared delightful news. He stated that SPIL actively collaborates with universities, including Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), thus offering internship opportunities for students. “If there’s an internship opportunity at SPIL, communicate with your study program,” Scenny advises. He also highlights the potential for sponsorships, encouraging students to contact SPIL’s Surabaya headquarters or connect with him directly for opportunities.
For students and alumni of the English Language and Literature program, Scenny offers practical advice: “Determine your career path early—you can choose from various fields, such as entrepreneurship or professionalism—and take your studies seriously.” Not only that, he also advises students to actively seek internship opportunities and organizational activities. “In the professional field, fresh graduates are indeed accepted, but without work experience or internships, adaptation will be quite difficult,” he warns.
Scenny encourages graduates to shape a strong work ethic and personal values. “Be a dignified, polite, and dedicated person. Don't be spoiled, be patient, don't complain easily, and enjoy the process. Develop good habits, such as diligence, and continue them consistently so they can become a lifestyle. This lifestyle will carry you wherever you go,” he advises. He also said that it is normal to change career paths or companies. However, he emphasizes the importance of building “When you want to change jobs or companies, you must have bargaining power and value, so you're seen as "valuable" wherever you go, not just job-hopping. Make companies consider your value when you apply for new jobs. When you have value, your salary will follow,” he says.
Scenny’s story strongly shows the power of adaptability, hard work, and seizing opportunities. From his college days organizing events to leading SPIL’s sales and marketing division, he managed to cultivate his English major background into a thriving career in logistics. His insights offer a roadmap for students and alumni, proving that with the right mindset and skills, any field is possible to reach.
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