Myron Stewart
Age: 24
Nationality: Malaysian
Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (2015)
Tell us briefly about your work or role in your current organisation.
My current organisation, British American Tobacco, places a high emphasis on talent development, particularly because of the nature of its main business. Thus, my team strives to provide accurate talent data to ensure that our business has the right people in the right places at the right times. This is done through partnering with HR business partners to conduct checks on employee “talent” data that reside in the system. My team has a global point of view while employees on the ground have their detailed view. It is necessary for us to work in tandem to ensure the data we have on hand is accurate. I have a front row view of how one of the biggest companies in the world implements its Talent strategy and how it values people.
How has your study in Monash Malaysia helped to prepare you for the working world?
Studying at Monash has expanded my horizons through its rigorous but rewarding academic program. To paraphrase Dr Yeoh, "my relative intellectual innocence was offered up and sacrificed”, I critically analysed where I could and no longer took everything for granted. With the world moving ever forward to globalisation, I believe it is imperative that we be given the foundation of open mindedness and an enterprising spirit which Monash builds the foundation for.
Whilst at Monash, what type of opportunities did you participate in, for example internship/industry placement, student exchange or clubs/societies? Describe how these opportunities/exposure enhance your employability skills.
I was a part of the Monash Performing Arts Club (MPAC) during my time at Monash. I was no stranger to the performing arts as Drama was a subject that I took up back in High School. The fact that Monash offered a space to continue developing my skills in the performing arts on top of my academic studies sends a clear message that we should seize the opportunity to expand our horizons or build upon skills that we may have already begun to learn. In this globalised world, having a varied and adaptable skill set is crucial for employability, which my time at MPAC had certainly honed in terms of improvisation and accountability to roles. Monash Malaysia’s exchange program is one of its most unique offerings to its students. Employers are looking at graduates that are more globalized in their approach and this program certainly is the way to harness that.
What do you love most about your student life at Monash?
Meeting so many people from all over the world that came to study/work in Monash, a melting pot of cultures and globalised citizens. I loved the freedom of choice that Monash offers its students. There is a clear viability and a support network for any course that is offered by the university. Student councilor and/or alumni networks are ready to assist for any student that wishes to discuss their future employability if they decide to pursue certain courses. Furthermore, the lecturers at Monash are always ready to assist academically where they can when approached by students while providing the tools and encouragement for students to find the answers they need. With such freedoms of course comes responsibilities for students to own their work and time, preparing them for the workforce that they will graduate into.