Starting Your Career Out and Proud: Surya Agung Pontanugraha’s Story at Reckitt

By Surya Agung Pontanugraha, Gaviscon Assistant Brand Manager at Reckitt.

Please introduce yourself, the name of your organization and the university you attended.

Hello, my name is Surya, I joined Reckitt’s graduate scheme in 2023 and I’m currently working at Reckitt in the Gaviscon Marketing team. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Gadjah Mada University, in Indonesia, and my master’s in Social Development Practice at University College London in the UK.

When in university, were you out to your university friends and/or your teachers? If yes, how important was that for you?

I came out for the first time when I started university, after moving to a bigger city away from where I had lived with my parents. Being out at university was so important to me in two ways:

Academically, I embraced student life to the fullest while staying true to myself. I was able to focus on studying without worrying about toning down my personality, hiding my sexuality, or what others might think. At times, my lived experience as a gay person at university gave me a unique perspective, an edge in processing knowledge differently from non-LGBTQ+ colleagues.

Personally, I had the chance to find my community, my people, and build genuine connections because, for the first time, I lived without hiding parts of myself. Most of my longest-lasting friendships started at university.

Are you out at Reckitt? If yes, was that the case from the beginning?

Yes, I’m out, and I’ve been out since joining Reckitt. In fact, when I researched the company, the Employee Resource Groups and Durex’s campaigns were what inspired me to apply in the first place.

In your view, how does being out at university relate to being out in the workplace?

I think being out at university shaped how I handle people’s reactions when I share that I’m gay. Going to a university in a big city usually means interacting with students from all over the country and the world. To me, university felt like the final step toward independence, a microcosm that simulated what professional life would be like.

When applying for a graduate programme, how important was to work in an inclusive environment?

To me personally, inclusivity is not just important, it’s integral. Starting a career is challenging by itself, having to build a persona just to be accepted in a non-inclusive environment will never set anyone up for a fulfilling, successful career.

Are you part of the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group? Why is that important to you?

Yes I am part of the LGBTQ+ ERG. It’s important to advocate for my community because we’re not always in the room where the decisions are made, so having a platform to be heard and considered is paramount.

Why do you think LGBTQ+ inclusion matters in the workplace?

As long as there is someone out there being discriminated against just because of their sexuality or gender, active inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community will be necessary in the workplace. Different lived experiences give the workplace new perspectives and diverse points of view that add value to the team and help it progress forward.

From your experience so far, what advice would you give to LGBTQ+ students preparing to enter the workforce?

Always look for the signs and characteristics of a workplace or company that truly walks the talk when it comes to inclusion. Being authentic is more appreciated and valued in an inclusive workplace because at times it’s not about culture fit, but it’s about culture add. An inclusive company thrives on a company culture that is ever-growing, enriched by the diverse set of people it hires.