15 August 2024  [Kwong Wah Daily - translated from Chinese]

Knowledge is important, but being able to effectively apply learnings in real-world situations is critical for success in business and leadership. At Monash University’s School of Business, students are guided to become creative scholars who know how to problem-solve, build strong networks and impact the world positively. Econometrics and Business Statistics Professor Erniel Barrios explained Monash’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning amongst graduates.

“We don’t spoon feed information but provide them with a foundation of curiosity; this prepares them for the ever-changing world they will be stepping into. As long as they know how to find the information they need, they will thrive,” he said.

Barrios added that active learning and authentic assessment are pillars of the student experience. With real-world simulations, students emerge ready for the workplace. In business analytics, for example, students may be tasked with presenting and producing a comprehensive report detailing their proposed solutions to real-world problems. “These reports are then read [not just by academics] but also by technical experts who support decision-makers and influencers in the workplace,” Barrios concluded.

Management Department Coordinator and lecturer Dr. Simran Kaur echoed Monash’s dedication to creating authentic, engaging and practical classroom experiences for students. As Monash is a research-intensive university, students become global citizens with strong critical thinking skills to identify evidence-backed solutions.

“Our classroom experience is truly special. Students learn how to navigate an international world, display cross-cultural competence and remain grounded with ethical values that are morally sound,” she said.

Senior lecturer Dr Esther Chong Yit Sean expounded further on Monash’s dedication to building responsible citizens who in addition to being academically excellent, also drive social impact. “Beyond academic knowledge, it’s important to be creative and tailor solutions based on knowledge to improve quality of life and society as a whole. We want our students to apply what they learn to support those in need and forward the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda,” she said.

To achieve this, Monash purposefully integrates experiential learning into its courses to develop empathy amongst students. The School of Business has collaborated with Dialogue in the Dark, a social enterprise for the visually impaired, developing a simulation experience for students to engage in reflective exercises on diversity, inclusion, equity and management competencies. “We are nurturing the future generation of leaders. [So] when they serve in organisations or establish their own enterprises, our hope is that they would join the global effort to tackle issues and challenges in social, environmental and governance domains,” Dr Chong finished by saying.

For postgraduate students, a strong emphasis is placed on networking and building lifelong friendships as these are paramount to success as a business leader.

Director of Graduate Coursework Studies and Associate Professor Andrei Kwok said that with in-semester assessments, faculty members are able to help students learn collaboration, time management and how to be a team player. “While our students have to manage rigorous studies at Monash, they also have ample opportunity to socialise and build connections with their peers,” he said. As an example, Professor Kwok highlighted the international study tour that graduate coursework students have the opportunity to participate in. The tour is an exposure trip that focuses on learning experiences beyond the classroom. Students visit a different country for an immersive experience to meet business leaders, build industry ties, network and enjoy camaraderie with fellow coursemates.

Monash is also acutely aware of the burgeoning digital landscape, and ensures graduates are prepared to succeed in a digital world.

According to Professor Barrios, all undergraduate students are equipped with foundational data analysis skills to prepare them for success. “Data is the fuel of the digital economy. We prepare business graduates who know how to use, analyse, interpret and make decisions based on data, enabling them to effectively harness the power of data in their specific domains,” he said. Through the holistic development of life skills complementing academic rigour, Monash University’s School of Business produces well-rounded individuals who will undoubtedly succeed in business and leadership.

Learn more about the School of Business’ programs here.