Steven Taniko

Name: Steven Taniko
Nationality: Indonesia
Current Role: Product Owner of Alliance Cloud at SWIFT

Tell us briefly about your work or role in your current organisation.

Currently I am working as a software engineer at HSBC Technology Kuala Lumpur. Previously, I was assigned under the Global Risk department, and my team was basically responsible for managing one of the systems that support the whole risk calculation process. Recently, I was re-allocated to Cards department. I am now assigned under the Front End team which handle the frontend applications that are used by both the bank staff and customers for credit cards and debit cards related transaction.

How has your study in Monash Malaysia helped to prepare you for the working world?

I believe my study in Monash Malaysia has prepared me not just in term of knowledge and skills in the field of Computer Science, but also in term of the mentality that a professional should have. The standard and the level of difficulty that have been set by Monash have definitely made me to be well equipped to face the challenging reality of the working world.

What type of opportunities did you participate in at Monash?

I participated in one of the Open Day event and also career fairs held by Monash. But beside these, I actually did not participate much during my study time. Maybe this was because of my personality. Being an introvert, I focused most of my time on my study and my hobbies. But I believe there are a lot opportunities provided by Monash, it is just depend on students, whether they would like to give it a try.

What did you like best about your studies here? What were the most challenging aspects and how did you overcome them?

The things that I enjoyed the most during my studies in Monash were the facilities and the resources provided by the university. The lecture halls, computer lab, library and other facilities are very helpful in my experience. With a high standard being set, I believe Monash has made sure that we, the students, are always able to get the materials and the help that we need from the resources and facilities available.

The most challenging experience that I had was being unable to fully understand some of the subjects in my course. I think this is a common thing that happens amongst university students. However, I believe that if students are not able to get the helps that they need, they are going to be frustrated and in worst case scenario they are probably going to give the subject up or in other words let the subject fails. Thankfully, I managed to overcome this challenge by voicing the problem out to the lecturer and other lecturers. And after several discussions, the lecturers are able to provide me the guidance and the help that I need.

You graduated with the Best Student Award from the School of IT. How did that feel? 

The Best Student Award from the School of IT granted me the proudest moment and the most relief feeling in my entire study life. To me, the award is the ultimate achievement for my study life. It gives me confidence and it tells me that a focus mind and hard work will eventually pay off.

Whilst at Monash, did you have any industry exposure/placements? Was the experience helpful to your personal and professional growth? Did it consolidate what you have learned from your undergraduate course?

Yes, I did attend a few industry talks/exposure held by Monash. It was definitely helpful for my career growth; in fact, I actually got my first permanent job via one of the industry talk. I attended Accenture’s industry talk, submitted my resume, and got hired from there. So, yes, the industry exposure/placements gave a lot of help and it also showed me how my undergraduate course will relate to the working world.

What did you love most about your student life at Monash?

The thing that I loved the most would be the friendships that I made. And not just toward fellow students, but also toward the school’s tutors and lecturers. All of them have definitely made my whole study experience delightful.

What are your future career goals?

At the moment my goal would be to become more and more expert in the world of IT. I believe now is the correct time for me to gain as much experience and skills as I can before I move to the next stage of my career life.

Do you have any advice for current Monash Malaysia students?

My advice is to put effort in both your study and social life, and most importantly never give up. You might not feel it at the moment, but the hard work, the knowledge and the social circle that you gained from your study life will definitely give you a whole lot of support when you move into the working world.