Meet our Alumni, Dewi Fitzpatrick, a Senior Partner Operations Manager at YouTube based in Singapore, with her husband, three children (one furry), and her recently relocated mum. Read on to learn how climbing Mount Batur, a caring homeroom teacher, and a few career pivots helped her join Google/YouTube—and for practical advice for current BIS students.

Where are you today, and what do you do at YouTube as Senior Partner Operations Manager?

I live in Singapore with my husband, our three children (one of whom has fur), and my mum, who recently moved here.

At Google/YouTube, I manage a portfolio of partners in Indonesia. I support them through a range of operational challenges—from copyright and policy issues to monetization—while providing product and policy education to help them succeed on the platform.

Please briefly tell us your career journey that led you to where you are now at YouTube.

I always wanted to work at Google, but thought it was only for engineers. In my final semester, a Googler told me about non-technical roles. After some rejected applications, I built broader experience: I ran cultural programs at the Goethe‑Institut Singapore using my German, worked as a research analyst on JPMorgan’s Bahasa desk using Indonesian, and did business development at a Singapore startup. With that mix of skills (and some luck), I applied to Google again and succeeded.

How long did you study at BIS, and in what ways did your time at BIS shape your position today?

I attended BIS for my final two years to complete the IB Diploma Programme. However, my connection to the school began earlier—my mum taught at the BIS preschool from my fifth-grade year, so I grew up visiting the campus and joining extracurriculars.

Even in my short time as a student, the school community—from encouraging satpams and office staff to dedicated teachers—left a lasting impression. BIS taught me the importance of being open and looking out for one another. That principle of respecting and nurturing your community, whether at work or in life, has guided me throughout my career.

 

What is your favorite memory from BIS, and why does it stand out?

Two memories stand out. First, climbing Mount Batur as a class at the start of Grade 12. While “team bonding” can feel cliché, that experience genuinely united us before the intensity of IB assessments—achieving something physically challenging together created a bond I still treasure.

Second is the support of our homeroom teacher, Hamish Sutherland. He would invite us into his office for non-academic check-ins to see how we were coping with stress. Knowing we had someone so dedicated to our well-being made a huge difference.

What can we expect from you and YouTube in the coming years?

There are many exciting innovations on the platform. YouTube Shopping is already making waves in Indonesia. Personally, I hope to continue growing with my colleagues at Google and helping our partners navigate this evolving landscape.

Any advice for the younger generation at BIS, especially those in the DP programme?

The DP is a marathon, but you don’t have to run it alone. My advice:

• Ask for help: If you’re uncertain or struggling, reach out—your teachers are your biggest advocates.
• Collaborate, don’t compete: Find study buddies and work together—you’ll learn more and enjoy it more.
• Embrace your uniqueness: Your perspective is yours; build on your experiences instead of fitting a mold.
• Lead with respect: Be kind to peers, your community, and yourself.
• Enjoy the ride: It’s hard work, but this is one of the most vibrant times of your life. And if you’re doing the DP at BIS in beautiful Bali, you’re already so lucky.