Account Manager
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce, Finance and Marketing
Company: Dell Technologies
Year of Graduation: 2022
Education Provider: The University of Western Australia
Country of Origin: India
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Chandini, and I’m from India. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Finance and Marketing) at UWA! I’ve been in Perth for almost five years. Currently, I work at Dell Technologies as an Account Manager.
What was your main reason(s) to select Perth as your study destination?
Australia was never part of my plan. I had other plans, but sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I’m thankful for that. I happened to go to an education fair where I met someone from UWA. The selling point for me was Matilda Bay (opposite UWA) and the dolphins you get to see there occasionally. I also fell in love with the campus. But the offer letter was also something I couldn’t resist! In hindsight, things worked out well, and I’m glad I got to study in Perth, have access to the best beaches in the world, and I’m not too far from home.
Are there any other notable experiences you’d like to share from your time studying?
Apart from meeting some amazing people while studying, the top three professional highlights were:
- Working as a project manager on the Future Leaders Immersion Program - A program that was led Dr Momoko Fujita and Dr Maggie (Ying) Jiang. This program aimed to improve the employability skills of international students.
- Being recognised as WA International Tertiary Student of the Year in 2021.
- Being part of the launchpad unit at Bloom (UWA) and getting to pitch-on-pitch night!
Tell us about your experience since leaving UWA – how has your career progressed to date?
It’s been pretty good. While studying, I worked for a well-known recruitment firm and took part in the She Codes Plus program (a 6-month intensive program). After graduating from UWA, I also graduated from the She Codes Plus Program, and I started working at Dell Technologies as an Account Manager. In January 2025, I will complete 2 years at Dell! So far, it’s been amazing working for an industry-leading organisation.
Any professional achievements you’d like to share?
A lot happened since I graduated, but the highlight must be taking part in the RAC Ignite Leadership Program. We had to come up with an idea that embodies a safer, more sustainable and better-connected WA, and my idea was chosen as the winning idea! My idea is that whether you’re in Perth or planning to go on a road trip in WA, you would get to hear from the local people themselves about the intricacies of driving in those areas. So essentially, the problem I’m trying to solve is the lack of intricate knowledge in terms of road safety for people who are new to WA, driving or both. I’m currently working with RAC to bring this to life.
What are the top 3 skills you need in your role as an Account Manager?
The top 3 skills needed in my role as an Account Manager are Relationship-building Adaptability, and Negotiation.
What have you enjoyed the most about living and studying in Perth?
I enjoy the pace at which life happens here. I love this beautiful city. Perth made me fall in love with the ocean. And now most of my holidays are centred around snorkelling and diving.
In terms of student life - I enjoyed meeting people both from different parts of the world and from different walks of life.
What would you say to students thinking of coming to Perth to study?
I would say do your research. There are a lot of useful resources out there that will help you make a well-informed decision. Personally, it’s turned out well for me. Ultimately, I believe your experience is what you make of it.
If you could tell your graduate self one piece of career advice, what would it be and why?
As cliche as it may sound - stay curious, ask questions and aim to build a solid network for yourself. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to have a life outside of work. Get a hobby!