Harika Marpohno

Course: Bachelor of Business and Commerce and Bachelor of Communication, 2018
Nationality: Indonesian
Current role: Technical Product Manager (Global Investment Data Management), Vanguard (Australia)

Why did you choose Monash?

To be completely honest, Monash was not my first choice for university. I was supposed to be enrolled in a Hong Kong university but I had some admission issues, so I began searching for more universities and stumbled across Monash Australia. However, all my cousins were around the globe and it made it hard for my grandparents to travel long routes to visit their grandchildren, and that is when I was introduced to Monash University Malaysia.

I had a lot of doubts before entering Monash and the university being so close to my hometown did not seem to attract me, however, I told myself to give it a try. I have to say that I did not regret that decision I made. Monash was so welcoming, so challenging, yet so fulfilling. It constantly enthralled me with what is yet to come, and there is not a single experience I would change. I am also proud to have embodied its motto Ancora Imparo. For sure there were a lot of times when I doubted my decisions, like whether I chose the right course, but along the way, you begin the unravel the beauty of perseverance and I believe that  paid off.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

Definitely the friends that I made! I am really glad to have made so many friends over those four years - from those who came and went, those who stayed with me through hard times, all my acquaintances around the campus, to all the familiar faces in university. They made uni life in Monash so enchanting. Life at Monash reminded me of home and that is what I miss the most after graduating. Sneaking out of lectures halfway to get the overly sweet coffee at the cafeteria, having to brave the freezing library near exams, and also just walking around campus and seeing event after event, people dancing and singing, and people throwing frisbees after classes.

What opportunities did you participate in?

I went on an exchange to Monash Australia (Clayton campus) during my final semester. It was very exciting to experience life outside of Monash Malaysia and  a different culture! I also had the opportunity to attend my first ever Tedx conference and who knew that I would actually be a part of the organising team the following semester!

Did you go for any work placements?

I had one of the greatest experiences securing an internship with KPMG Management & Risk Consulting Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. It was definitely an eye-opening and humbling experience to be able to intern with some of the brightest in the industry. Prior to my internship, I was very much lost with where I wanted to be after graduation. But throughout the intense and challenging three months, it made me realise that life at Monash had prepared me for adversities.

My internship shaped my passion for consultancy. I realised with all the case studies we analysed throughout different modules in International Business, I found joy in getting to research possible solutions to business crises but never had the chance to see them work in real life. Since I was dealing with people and change in the industry during my internship, it was indeed very rewarding knowing that your solution had at the very least, helped turn situations better. I have no clue what is in store for me in the next coming five or 10 or 20 years, but I am hoping that I will be doing what I love and it is definitely going to be a fulfilling journey knowing that my work has at least impacted someone positively.