Aruni Alahakone

Course: Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Mechatronics), 2007
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Current role: Senior Staff Engineer, Zebra Technologies

How have your studies at Monash helped to prepare you for the working world?

Monash’s course structure incorporated the latest technologies in the market, which helped boost my employability. It also placed a lot of importance on the concept of learning by practice. This was a key point that helped me improve self-learning and decision-making skills.

During my postgraduate studies at Monash, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to conduct tutorials and laboratory sessions as a requirement of the Higher Degree by Research scholarship.  This was a rewarding experience that helped me develop time management and people skills. The guidance received from my lecturers and fellow students was exceptional.

Reflecting on my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, Monash laid a solid foundation of technical, leadership, communication and people skills that helped prepare me for the working world.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities while at Monash?

During my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in the Monash University Badminton club. I participated in many of the tournaments organised within the University. On top of that, there were multiple site visits organised by the School of Engineering, such as visiting University of Malaya and Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

While doing my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit Singapore to participate in a conference. I was also a member of the organising committee of the Conference on Innovative Technologies in Intelligent Systems and Industrial Applications (CITISIA) held at the University.

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

My student life at Monash is always fondly cherished for the exposure I received from this experience to be an independent adult. Life away from home and my home country was a foreign experience to me that seemed challenging at the time. I still recall fond memories of great friendships that blossomed at Monash, the movie nights, the talent shows, Monash ball and the interesting adventures organised by the MUSA and MUPA clubs. Life at Monash was truly an unforgettable experience and one that I would love to relive if I had the chance.

What are your future career goals?

My short-term goal is to excel as a well-versed engineer at my current employment. However, in the long run I would like to work for my own engineering firm.

Do you have any advice for current Monash Malaysia students?

Monash Malaysia holds many valuable aspects that can be used to shape your career, so be vigilant to see them and use them to put you on the right path to your career goals. Most importantly, take the time to enjoy life, make new friends, try new things and challenge yourself, as University life will be one that you will always look back and cherish.