3 minute read
Fadhil Hazmi Musyaffa moved from Depok Indonesia to study a Master of Marketing Management at The Australian National University (ANU).
Before enrolling in his Masters at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE), Fadhil accumulated more than five years experience as a qualitative-market researcher. He worked for some of the best local market research agencies in Indonesia, including DEKA Insight and Neurosensum. While studying, he continued to contribute to market-research projects on a freelance basis.
Fadhil aspires to become a marketing expert who uses his knowledge to contribute to a brand’s lasting development. He currently runs a Formula One Instagram account called Steering Wheel Indonesia to gain first-hand experience running social media.
Fadhil recently completed his Masters. In this interview, he reflects on what he’s achieved and where it will lead him.
Q. Why did you choose to study at ANU?
ANU is well known for its research. Although I did not specifically pursue a research program, all of my coursework included research elements. I believe enhancing my research skills will help me become a greater marketing research professional – that’s why I chose to study a Master of Marketing Management at ANU.
Q. How do you see your studies at ANU shaping your future career?
As mentioned previously, ANU helped me improve my research skills, particularly through the Evidence-Based Management course I completed. I have learned how to use secondary data, appraise information, and critically assess everything. I believe my studies at ANU will boost my career in marketing research.
Q. Have you had the opportunity to do any internships during your study, and if so, what were they?
Because of COVID-19, I completed three semesters online, which accounted for the majority of my study. Despite studying online, I was able to participate in the CBE Virtual Internship initiative with Practera. Through this experience, I helped General Pump Company – a pump manufacturer from New South Wales – understand the competitive landscape of pump industry, as well as predict the new technologies that will be used in the industry.
Q. What was your most memorable experience studying at CBE?
The most memorable experience for me was the moment I first entered the CBE building after three semesters of studying online. Being on campus for the first time made me feel like I was a new student. I could interact with friends, utilise the library and student commons and have the full on-campus student experience.
Q. What was your favourite course, or who was your favourite lecturer? Tell us why they made an impression on you.
I have two favourite CBE courses – Consumer Behaviour and Strategic Management.
I liked Consumer Behaviour because it was most relevant to my professional background. Strategic Management was also a favourite because I enjoyed how Dr Alexander Eapen taught me. In this course we used a case study from Harvard Business School and took on the role of consultant to solve a business case, which helped me sharpen my business problem-solving skills.
What are your tips or advice for future students?
Explore as much as possible in Canberra and build a network through different settings. Consider casual jobs, but remember your main responsibility is being a student. Your degree is not just helping you to get money, it’s providing you practical skills you never had before, such as how to communicate with others and responding to constructive criticism, etc.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m planning to stay in Canberra and apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa. I'd like to stay here and gain more professional experience, and who knows? I may have a future in this city! I’m currently applying for full-time jobs and hope I get an opportunity to work with ANU. I would love to contribute to the University.
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