Raj Aria
Course: Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce, 1996
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Associate Partner & Business Advisor, BFL Sdn Bhd
Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.
Currently, I am an Associate Partner & Business Advisor of BFL Sdn Bhd which is under Bon Zainal, fashion icon and one of Malaysia's top menswear designers. My role encompasses the whole range of typical corporate responsibilities ranging from strategy/finance to operations to Marketing/PR and beyond. Essentially, I wear different hats depending on what the situation demands. Aside from that, I am also a TV Presenter with Channel W and a professional emcee amongst other things.
How has studying in Monash helped you prepare for the working world?
Monash is one of the top universities in the world and it has made me the man that I am today. My Monash experience was amazing - especially when I had the chance to study in Melbourne (Clayton campus) where it provided me with the basic knowledge and skills to make my entry into the corporate world. Aside from that, it also provided me with the opportunity to interact with others from different backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, etc. This was especially crucial in terms of building my self-confidence and courage in terms of my general communication and interpersonal skills. This subsequently helped me in good stead when I transitioned from the finance to entertainment industry thereafter.
What type of opportunities did you participate in?
I had the opportunity to join various clubs whilst in Monash Clayton such as MUISS and MUMSU. I also got to have a taste of what it feels like to work in the real world thanks to Monash Student Employment where I had the chance to try out both blue and white-collar roles. This assisted me to manage my expectations of what to expect when I entered the corporate world for real.
Why do you think alumni get-togethers are important?
It provides a platform or "excuse" for alumni to catch up face-to-face, which is becoming extremely rare in this digital world we live in. It also fosters the Monash Alumni community which if leveraged correctly will be a huge benefit for all parties concerned.
What did you enjoy most about your student life at Monash?
The friendship and relationships that were built back then which is still alive to this very day - more than twenty years on!