Priscilla Chen Xi Qin
Name: Priscilla Chen Xi Qin
Nationality: Malaysia
Current Role: Priscilla Chen Xi Qin Lead, Operations Data Analysis Shopee, Malaysia
Tell us briefly about your work or role in your current organisation.
I’m currently a Business Intelligence Associate at Shopee Malaysia and I basically play with data as well as managing and overseeing different ongoing campaigns’ processes on a day-to-day basis. By “playing” with data, this means I had to extract and transform data from multiple sources, making it presentable in the form of reports and able to convey “stories” behind the extracted data to various users, aiding in data-driven decision-making. On top of that, I have also automated many complex and heavily manual tasks, which has simplified and improved efficiency of the overall end-to-end processes involved in certain ongoing campaigns. Although I have only worked here for a little more than half a year, it has certainly been rather fulfilling and rewarding as I have learned and achieved many things in the ever-dynamic world of e-commerce.
Why did you choose to study at Monash, and has it met your expectations?
I have decided to study at Monash University because it is renowned for its extensive, continuous improvement and state-of-the-art research and development. This is an extremely crucial aspect of a university especially for someone who wants to pursue a degree in Computer Science as we need to continuously get ourselves updated with the latest and ever-changing technology and knowledge. Besides, Monash University is equipped with conducive learning spaces and facilities for students to use – which is very important for effective studying. All in all, I believe these are the some of the reasons that have made Monash University one of the top 100 universities in the world. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to have casual conversations with some of the seniors of Monash University and even with the previous Dean of the School of Information Technology before I decided to enrol into Computer Science in Monash. Based on the dean’s dedication and passion in the field of IT as well as the positive learning experience by the seniors in Monash, I can feel the positive energy from them that they feel a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction from Monash – which has led me to my decision to study in Monash University.
Indeed, it was a great choice regardless of the stressful workload as it was rewarding after overcoming it. I learn about time management, have peers and lecturers that encourage and help me along the way. With their company, I have gone through and be where I am now. Thus, Monash has far exceeded my expectations.
How has your studies at Monash helped to prepare you for the working world?
Monash University has been very much focussed on concepts and problem solving. As a computer science graduate from Monash University, both concepts and problem solving have tremendously helped me in my career as well as in many other aspects in life. Technology evolves faster than ever these days, so much so that a particular tech application can be the best today and tomorrow, another “best” application could already have been developed. However, in the midst of such technology advancement, things that do not change are the concepts and approaches to solve problems. Monash University has well-equipped me for the working industry to solve different types of problems in different ways by using the same concepts. Besides, being in the working industry for 3 years since I have graduated, I have been further equipped with more knowledge on different tools to get things done in a more effective and efficient manner than the others by utilizing the power of automation. With the concepts and knowledge I have gathered both in Monash University and at work, I am able to complete 2-3 people’s work faster and with less effort. Thus, I am very thankful and proud that Monash University has distinct me from the rest with such unique and innovative teaching methodologies.
What opportunities did you participate in while at Monash? E.g. conferences, study trips, volunteer programs, student exchange, etc.
I have participated in the Monash Intercampus Exchange Program. If the studying experience in Monash Univerisity Malaysia was exciting, then my experience in the exchange program in Australia was mind-blowing as it was truly a one of a kind, unique experience. During my 6 months in Melbourne, among some of the best experiences were having the opportunity to get to know more passionate and dedicated lecturers who have taken the classroom experience to the next level, learn and share experiences with new friends , immerse in the exciting local culture and delicacies, enjoy the cool weather, preparing meals with housemates as well as travelling to Sydney and New Zealand during the breaks. Most importantly, this whole experience taught me how to manage my tasks effectively and live more independently, which has also helped to shape who I am today and what I have accomplished thus far. The Monash Intercampus Exchange Program was indeed a memorable and valuable experience for everyone and I highly recommend it to all the current students of Monash University.
Did you have any industry exposure/placements while studying at Monash? If so, do you think it has made a difference for you in terms of career preparation?
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to participate in any industry exposure/placement while studying at Monash. However, I have attended several industrial talks by renown people from major companies. These talks have opened up my mind to various ideas, knowledge sharing and experiences. These are valuable experiences that I can never obtain just by reading my notes or reference books. Apart from that, prior to getting my first job, I also had the opportunity to visit some of Monash’s partner companies to understand and get the feel of their working environment and work processes. This has mentally prepared me on what I am going to face in working world. It was a very beneficial exposure and I am very thankful to Monash University for providing me an avenue that opens up to such fruitful opportunities.
What did you love most about your student life at Monash?
As a student in Monash University, I love the conducive learning spaces and the well-equipped facilities and resources which were provided – they were second to none. I strongly believe this has naturally provided me the drive and motivation to continuously learn and gather knowledge. Aside from that, of course I love the friends that I have made which I feel extremely blessed and fortunate for, as they are willing to learn, teach and grow together – like a family. I always believe that it is through teamwork and discussions that we are able to come up with bright ideas, innovation as well as improving ourselves. Other than that, the dedicated and passionate lecturers played a huge part in contributing to quality learning experiences. They are very helpful and friendly, not just in terms of guiding based on the course syllabus but also made efforts to go beyond to create positive impact for the students by guiding us to fulfil life and career objectives. They share real world experiences as well as problems and suggestions of ways to overcome them. Also, they assured us that they are always one ‘Send’ button away if we need their advice and guidance anytime, even when we are no longer studying in Monash. Overall, I had a rather happy and memorable student life at Monash and I couldn’t ask for more but just truly appreciating it.
What are your career goals, or what impact would you like to have in the future?
In the long run, I see myself striving as a highly capable, influential and respectable leader of a team or even a company to achieve success together. I want to successfully adopt and execute a unique form of leadership and culture that significantly revolves around creativity, realistic optimism, strong corporate social responsibility and most importantly effectively incorporating democracy, unity and teamwork in a passionate and ambition driven workforce. I always believe in team work and never believe that one could go far alone. In the short run, I want to acquire knowledge in business administration as well as professional experience in business management positions, preferably one that exercises in contributing towards key business decisions. Apart from that, I want to master in professional business communication and engagement as well as the art of critical thinking. With these being achieved, they will serve as a process for preparing me towards becoming an outstanding business leader with the right attitude and strong interdisciplinary knowledge and experiences in business management, thus fulfilling my long term goal.
I believe my knowledge and experience few years down the road will be the key to influence, motivate and guide my team to success. Hence, I have great effort and determination to enrich myself with the right attitude, work spirit and knowledge to be fully equipped towards my career goals.