In the beginning, Pattara chose International Business Management (IBM) as his first major to prepare for a career in multinational companies (MNCs). With many MNCs operating in Thailand, he saw this field as a gateway to opportunities. However, he wasn’t sure which aspect of business he would ultimately pursue. When reviewing his academic plan, he noticed that the requirements for accounting overlapped significantly with IBM. This allowed him to add accountancy as a second major and still graduate within four years.
The IWORK program was the key factor in Pattara’s decision to attend BYU-Hawaii. As someone from a low-income family, the program made studying abroad financially possible and opened doors that otherwise may have remained closed.
Table of Contents
- Preparation for the Professional World
- Memorable Lessons from BYU-Hawaii
- Essential Skills That Made a Difference
- Career Insights and Accomplishments
- Connection to Thailand and Giving Back
- Personal Growth and Reflection
- Related Content
Preparation for the Professional World
BYU-Hawaii played a significant role in preparing Pattara for the corporate world. His classes and experiences mirrored the real-world international business environment, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve problems, train, and discuss strategies. The multicultural setting taught him to navigate cultural differences, listen to multiple perspectives, and find common ground—essential skills for working in multinational teams.
Business decisions are rarely black and white, and Pattara quickly learned that success often comes down to teamwork and consensus. The group projects he worked on in school were more than just academic exercises; they were a preview of what he would experience in his career. In the professional world, collaboration across departments is a constant, and he now applies those teamwork skills on a daily basis.
Memorable Lessons from BYU-Hawaii
One of Pattara’s most eye-opening experiences in college came during his senior year in accounting. His professor assigned a team project to present an accounting principle. The students interpreted the concept differently but agreed on a common approach. To his surprise, the professor provided no definitive feedback—no right or wrong answer. This experience reshaped his understanding of accounting in the real world. Instead of seeking clear-cut answers, he realized that financial decisions often come down to business judgment and external factors, such as audits and regulatory considerations.
Similarly, in his international business management classes, he saw firsthand how business projects played out. Some teams launched and scaled projects with lightning speed, while others struggled. The lesson was clear—success in business requires effort, adaptability, and teamwork.
Essential Skills That Made a Difference
If Pattara had to highlight one skill that set him apart, it would be Microsoft Excel. His proficiency in Excel directly landed him his first job, where he was responsible for consolidating and analyzing data across multiple spreadsheets. The reports he prepared went up to management, requiring accuracy and attention to detail. Through this experience, he honed his analytical skills, which remain a crucial part of his work today.
Career Insights and Accomplishments
Professional Achievements
Looking back, Pattara considers one of his biggest accomplishments to be leading a team of over 70 professionals in accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), costing, tax, and compliance for a multinational company in Thailand. Under his leadership, the company grew from 3,000 to 5,000 employees. He also played a key role in mergers and acquisitions, integrating businesses into Thailand’s market.
Challenges as an International Student
One of the biggest struggles Pattara faced at BYU-Hawaii was writing. In his early English classes, he often argued that writing wasn’t his strength and tried to pass the courses with minimal effort. However, once he advanced to general education and major classes, he realized that writing was unavoidable. Reports, summaries, and even final exams required clear, structured writing.
The turning point came when he received an F on a mid-term paper in a marketing class because the professor couldn’t understand his writing. This was a wake-up call. From that moment, he focused on communicating ideas clearly rather than simply meeting word count requirements. The lesson was painful but essential—writing skills matter in every field, even business.
Transitioning from the U.S. to Thailand
After graduation, Pattara worked in the U.S. for a year before returning to Thailand without a job lined up. His career took off when a friend introduced him to a company looking for someone to set up and lead operations in Thailand. Suddenly, he was responsible for building a company from the ground up—navigating local regulations, managing government relations, and training employees. This required learning Thailand’s business landscape through self-study, research, and practical experience.
Connection to Thailand and Giving Back
The Thai Job Market and Opportunities
Bangkok is full of career opportunities, especially in accountancy. Major firms, including the Big Four and multinational corporations, are actively hiring, particularly in the manufacturing sector. With international education and experience, professionals stand out—companies often invest in them and send them to manage operations worldwide. These roles go beyond basic accounting; they involve project leadership and system implementation.
Supporting the Next Generation
Pattara is committed to giving back. He has helped BYU-Hawaii students connect with companies and secure jobs in Thailand. Additionally, he contributes to the IWORK program and scholarships at BYU-Hawaii, ensuring that more students can access the same opportunities that changed his life.
Advice for Thai Students Considering Study Abroad
His message is simple: “Just go. You will never regret it.” Studying abroad is hard—it challenges language skills and cultural understanding—but those difficulties make the experience worthwhile. BYU-Hawaii offers a multinational perspective that is invaluable in today’s globalized business world.
Personal Growth and Reflection
Faith and Career Decisions
Looking back, Pattara sees how faith guided his career choices. He turned down graduate school and returned to Thailand without a job, simply following his instincts. Shortly after arriving home, an unexpected opportunity appeared. Over time, he has realized that patience and trust in the process have led him to the right career moves.
A Hard Lesson on Work-Life Balance
Pattara once considered himself a workaholic. He set ambitious financial goals and worked relentlessly, sometimes 24-hour shifts. However, his health suffered. He realized that achieving wealth means little if poor health erases those gains later in life. Now, he emphasizes balance—work hard, but also take care of your body. Medical bills shouldn’t consume the rewards of your labor.
Advice to His Younger Self
“If you think university is hard, just wait until you enter the job market,” Pattara says. The real world is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is essential. His final piece of advice? Enjoy Hawaii while you can. Once you leave, you may never get another chance to walk to the beach from your dorm or go bodyboarding between classes.
Pattara’s journey is proof that hard work, adaptability, and perseverance can open doors. From struggling with writing to leading teams in multinational corporations, his story is an inspiration for students and young professionals aiming to build successful careers in Thailand and beyond.
At BYU Management Society Asia, we are committed to fostering personal growth, professional development, and moral and ethical leadership. Our mission is to enrich lives and careers with active chapters across Asia and globally. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking here.
We also have a monthly newsletter about successful programs, testimonies, Business Plan Competition, and more! – You can click this link to subscribe.
Discover more through our podcast and YouTube channel by clicking this link. —we’d love to connect with you and welcome you to our community.
And if you want to know more about us and updates, you can follow our Social Media, Facebook and Instagram. Everyone is welcome to join us in this journey of development and connection.
Related Content
From Taiwan to the World: Shih-En Kuo’s Journey of Compassion and Impact
In the vibrant halls of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Shih-En Kuo discovered her passion for social work and a deep desire to positively touch the lives of others—particularly those who are vulnerable or in need.
Hailing from Taiwan, Shih-En’s academic journey and professional experiences have been shaped by her commitment to service, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
You can discover more by reading From Taiwan to the World: Shih-En Kuo’s Journey of Compassion and Impact by clicking here.
Alumni Spotlight: Elvin Jerome Austria Laceda, CEO and Founder of RiceUp Farmers Incorporated
We are thrilled to feature Elvin Jerome Austria Laceda, an exceptional individual whose commitment to social entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation has left an indelible mark on the Filipino farming community.
You can discover more by reading Alumni Spotlight: Elvin Jerome Austria Laceda, CEO and Founder of RiceUp Farmers Incorporated by clicking here.
Alumni Spotlight: Dominic Sim – Shaping Minds And Bridging Cultures
In the dynamic landscape of education and community engagement, Dominic Sim stands out as a multifaceted individual whose journey from BYU-Hawaii to Taiwan has been marked by diverse experiences and a commitment to fostering connections.
You can discover more by reading Alumni Spotlight: Dominic Sim – Shaping Minds And Bridging Cultures by clicking here.
