From Junior Golfer to Corporate Professional: Bernice Sitompul’s Journey

In the world of golf, it’s easy to overlook the power of the sport beyond the greens. For Bernice Sitompul, golf was more than just a game—it was the foundation for her personal growth, career success, and professional network. As a former member of the Indonesian national golf team and an alumna of Loyola University’s women’s golf team, Bernice has successfully transitioned from being an elite athlete to a thriving professional in the corporate world.

In this inspiring interview on the Working Title Female Podcast, Bernice shared her journey of growing up in a golf-centric family, her experiences as a student-athlete, and how she has leveraged golf to build an impressive career in accounting.

The Beginning: A Golf-Centric Upbringing

Bernice grew up in a family that lived and breathed golf. Her father, a passionate golfer, introduced Bernice and her siblings to the sport at a young age. While she admits that she didn’t initially enjoy it—describing herself as a “chubby kid in hot weather” struggling with the physical demands—she stuck with it because it was a family activity.

“My dad was a golf fanatic, and when my brother left for the States, it was just me and my sister. By default, my dad was like, ‘Well, I have two more kids to coach!’” Bernice recalled, laughing at the memory.

She spoke about the dedication and discipline that her father instilled in them, especially when it came to practice. “We had to finish hitting 250 balls before we could go home for dinner,” she said. It was these formative years that taught Bernice perseverance, focus, and determination—traits that she would carry with her throughout her career.

Overcoming Challenges: The Decision to Pursue Golf in the United States

As Bernice’s love and skill for golf grew, so did her desire to pursue education and athletics in the United States. However, this decision was not without its challenges. Moving to a new country at the age of 16, she had to quickly adapt to a new environment, a different climate (goodbye, warm Jakarta sun!), and a more competitive golf scene.

“Transitioning to Michigan was tough,” she admitted. “We were used to playing golf year-round in Indonesia, but in Michigan, winters were brutal. I remember practicing indoors, swinging clubs in our tiny apartment.”

Despite the challenges, Bernice’s resilience shone through. She credited the support of her siblings and her drive to make the most out of every opportunity. “It wasn’t just about being good at golf; I wanted to go to college in the States. That was my goal,” she shared.

The College Years: Building Lifelong Friendships

Bernice’s college years were marked by camaraderie and competition. As part of the Loyola University women’s golf team, she built close friendships with her teammates, some of whom remain her closest friends to this day.

“We weren’t just teammates; we were a family,” she said. “There were a lot of 12-hour days and 36-hole tournaments, but we bonded over shared challenges and victories.”

Bernice highlighted how important it was to have a support system, especially for student-athletes who often have to juggle sports, academics, and social life. The friendships she forged in college helped her transition into adulthood, both on and off the golf course.

Transitioning to the Corporate World: Leveraging Golf for Professional Success

After graduating, Bernice faced a new challenge: transitioning from being a full-time athlete to entering the corporate world. This transition was smoother than expected, thanks to the invaluable skills she developed through golf—resilience, networking, and strategic thinking.

“Golf is such a great networking tool. When I joined Ernst & Young, I became part of the golf club, which opened up opportunities to meet people from different departments and build connections outside of work,” she explained.

As her career progressed, Bernice continued to leverage her background in golf to build professional relationships. There were instances where she was asked to represent her company at client outings, which provided her with opportunities to showcase her skills, both on the course and in business discussions.

Golf as a Lifelong Passion: Embracing the Game Beyond Competitions

Today, Bernice still enjoys playing golf, but the game has taken on a new meaning for her. No longer driven by the need to compete, she now plays for fun, fitness, and to stay connected with friends and colleagues.

“I play for sheer fun now. There are no expectations, and that’s what makes it enjoyable,” she said. “Golf has given me so much, and I’m grateful that it’s still a part of my life.”

For Bernice, golf is more than just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped her character and career. She encourages others, especially women in business, to consider taking up the sport. “Golf is a sport for the business world. It’s a great way to connect, learn, and even break barriers,” she advised.

Tips for Aspiring Golfers: How to Use Golf for Business Success

During the interview, Bernice shared some practical tips for those looking to use golf as a tool for business networking:

1. Invest in Coaching: “You don’t want to practice the wrong swing over and over again. It’s worth investing in lessons to build a solid foundation.”

2. Find a Golf Buddy: “Having someone to practice with makes it more enjoyable. Make it a social event—go to the range together and then grab brunch afterwards!”

3. Don’t Get Discouraged: “Golf is a technical sport, and progress can be slow. Keep an open mind and enjoy the process.”

4. Leverage Golf for Networking: “Golf is a great way to connect with people. You bond over shared experiences on the course, and that opens the door for deeper business conversations.”

5. Keep It Fun: “Don’t get too caught up in the score. Remember, it’s a game. Enjoy it!”

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Staying True to Your Roots

Throughout the interview, Bernice emphasized the importance of staying true to her roots. Her parents always reminded her and her siblings to remember where they came from and to make the most out of every opportunity.

“When I have a hard day, I think about the kids back in Indonesia who would love to be in my position. That’s what keeps me going,” she said.

Bernice’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of family support, and the importance of using sports as a tool for personal and professional development. Her story is not only inspiring for aspiring golfers but also for anyone looking to leverage their passion to achieve career success.

Watch the Full Interview: For more insights and stories from Bernice’s journey, check out the full interview on our YouTube channel below!