Sharkshini Mathivanan
Name: Sharkshini Mathivanan
Age: 27 years
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Communication) (2012)
Tell us briefly about your work or role in your current organisation.
I, along with two other individuals (Clinical Psychologists), launched the Psychological Sciences Institute (PSI) in July 2016. As Managing Director/CEO of PSI, I am responsible for all management decisions regarding vision, goal, orientation and direction of my company. I engage in daily strategic decision making for marketing, finance, operations and service enhancements.
How has your study in Monash Malaysia helped to prepare you for the working world?
The university’s commitment to independent study ethics, strong emphasis on the balance of work and leisure (by encouraging students’ participation in various clubs and associations) improved my ability to manage stress and appreciate work/life balance. Further, the importance attributed to practical experience and critical thinking fostered through tutorial discussions, prepared me for the challenges of the working world.
While at Monash what type of opportunities did you participate in?
While at Monash, I was a member of the Monash University Volunteer Program (MUVP). I joined as a volunteer, particularly a Sponsorship Co – Head for the Monash Fiesta for NASOM (National Autism Society of Malaysia) at first, and then ascended to the position of Public Relations Officer at MUVP. In addition, I undertook the role of Communication Liaison for SPIN (Monash Students’ Psychology Interactive Network). My team of colleagues and I were selected as candidates to present our final year undergraduate research study at the National Psychological Conference at Nottingham University, Malaysia. I also participated in the Monash Cultural show in 2011, representing Sri Lanka.
When you were choosing a course and a university did you have a clear picture of your future (and if so what was it)? How did that change (or reconfirmed) during your experience at Monash?
At the outset, my parents insisted that I pursue a Degree in Business Management. However, I was not in favour of doing so. I developed a genuine interest in the subject of Psychology and Monash University was my preferred choice of University.
The decision to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology was reconfirmed through interesting client (while maintaining confidentiality) cases outlined during lectures/tutorials. The structure of the course, and modules further expanded my knowledge in Psychology, while concurrently affirming my fervour for the subject. My Major was not limited to Psychology; I pursued a major in Communication and enjoyed the conceptualisations of media texts, communication channels, and digital media.
Whilst at Monash, did you have any industry exposure/placements? How has it made a difference to your own life or the life of others around you? Did it consolidate what you have learned from your undergraduate course?
Presenting my final year undergraduate research study at the National Psychological Conference at Nottingham University, indeed exposed my team and I, to a unique experience other peers could not be a part of. We were provided with the opportunity to meet other candidates and scholars in the field of Psychology while witnessing the presentations of other instrumental research studies conducted at the time.
Volunteering for the Monash Fiesta for NASOM provided me with the opportunity to work alongside children with Autism, thereby enabling the application of knowledge gained through the module of Developmental Psychology and improving my experience of the neuro-developmental disorder.
What was it about Monash that made you select this university in the first place?
Reputation, quality of academia and lecturers, research direction and global recognition.
What do you love most about your student life at Monash?
Diversity of peers and friends, the opportunities provided through my membership of above-mentioned Associations/Networks, learning experience and Mr. Paul K. Jambunathan!