Sonia Fernandez
Course: Bachelor of Science (majoring in Medical Bioscience), 2013
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Manager (Engineering & Supply Chain), Michael Page International
Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.
I currently work for Michael Page as the Manager of the Engineering and Supply Chain division, based in Bangkok, Thailand. I specialise in Medical Device, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage, Chemical, and Building and Construction Materials industry sectors.
Why did you choose Monash?
I chose Monash Malaysia primarily for its reputation as an established Australian university. I considered the campus’ culture, facilities, quality of teaching professionals, availability of courses I was interested in, as well as the graduate employability ranking (which proved extremely valuable as I was able to secure full-time employment even before graduating).
How have your studies helped to prepare you for the working world?
We live in a rapidly changing environment that is becoming more and more socially, economically and technologically entangled, and I truly believe that Monash gave me a sneak peek of this in my undergraduate years. The combination of excellent classroom/in-lab teachings, exposure to a culturally diverse and dynamic campus community, as well as the experiences gained through working in a corporate setting better prepared me for today’s world. I have also adopted the Ancora Imparo motto, pushing myself daily to challenge boundaries and continually improve myself in all facets of both my personal and professional life.
Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?
I was the President of the Monash Exchange Club and took a vested interest in working with the Monash Abroad team in supporting all mobility programs offered. This included being an advocate for encouraging students to participate in intercampus/inter-university exchange programs, supporting Orientation Week, assisting all incoming exchange students with day-to-day queries, as well as organising a variety of other extracurricular activities (e.g. weekend trips and/or cultural appreciation & sporting events).
Did you go for internships or work placements?
Yes, I took up an industry placement with Mahkota Medical Centre. I was put through the Management Associate program which gave me exposure to the Medical and Pathology Laboratory, In-Vitro Fertilisation Centre and Cancer Research Centre. I was also fortunate to do rotations within the Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Departments (covering Neurosurgery, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Paediatrics, Oncology and Urology). Working under the direct supervision of the CEO and Medical Director also enabled me to understand better both technical and commercial elements of operating a Tertiary Healthcare Centre. These skillsets have benefitted me in being able to tie both elements together when providing advisory and market insights, or in identifying anticipating needs, threats and competitions to clients I currently work with.
What insights, skills or experiences made a difference to your own life or the lives of others around you?
Studying at Monash really brought out the inquisitive side of me. The environment made me curious – about different fields of study, different countries, different cuisines, different types of occupations etc. As a result of that, I took elective courses from different Schools (including Business, Arts & Engineering), have travelled across over 15 countries (and counting!), explored a variety of cuisines (including some that would earn a place on the “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” show), taken a keen interest in engaging with people from all walks of life, and pursued a career path I never knew existed just five years prior.
What did you enjoy most about your student life?
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other like-minded students from various parts of the country/world who shared very similar interests to me.
If you moved to come study at Monash, where did you live? How did you find that experience?
I lived with extended family while studying at Monash. It was a great experience given I had all the comforts of a familiar home and people, but at the same time I was in a new environment which provided me the platform to be more independent, self-sufficient, hardworking and extroverted.
Apart from work or study, were you able to build your interest in areas such as volunteering, mentoring other students, or other educational pursuits?
I was a regular volunteer with The Salvation Army and St. Vincent De’ Paul’s Society – organising and participating in annual charity drives, as well as providing education and skills trainings for children and young adults with special needs.
What are your career goals?
I aspire to be one of the few specialist Technical Division Leaders within the industry I work in. It gives me great pleasure knowing that my work creates opportunities for people to reach their potential, and in many ways, influences how businesses are run across the region in a sustainable, innovative and inclusive manner.
What is your advice to current students?
Soak it all in. Take as much away from your time at Monash as possible. One day when you least expect it, that little piece of information/experience you once thought was irrelevant will pave its way back into your life and give you an Aha! moment.