Student Profile 
Alvin Yeap
What degree(s) / major(s) did you study?
I studied the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majoring in Marketing and Business Systems Management. I then completed a Master of Information Systems (MIS) specialising in IS Project Management and eBusiness Supply Chain Management.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I work at IBM in the Marketing department. I deal with clients on a daily basis when they are looking at upgrading servers in their company, or looking for IT services. I am more towards pre-Sales, dealing with the services side of things in IBM (Business Continuity, Carbon footprint management, right down to hardware). This role is interesting as you get to see what IBM does behind the scenes. From selling hardware to services (consulting). I would say this role enables me to understand IBM better. It is a good place to start in such a massive organisation. Afterall, IBM started out as a hardware company.
What skills did you gain from studying Information Systems?
My Masters degree was my second degree and I found it different to what I did in my BCom. Most of the time, information can be sourced from your lecturer or tutor. As the saying goes - Spoonfed.
In IS however, it is different as you will be the one sourcing for information in the library, or online. What I've learned is project management skills, risk management, and knowledge management skills. Also, not forgetting collaboration skills as you are working with people from different backgrounds and culture. What I have learned is used in my day to day job here at IBM.
What was your first year at Deakin like?
My first year at Deakin was interesting, as an International student, I applied to the Warrnambool Campus. Having touched down at the airport, I was driven to Geelong and put on a train! My first thoughts were "Oh no, what have I done? Did I apply for the right campus?". Coming from a busy city in Malaysia, Warrnambool was completely different. The support I received from the International Students help group made me feel welcomed straight away. It helped me settle in and for a good two years, I enjoyed my time studying at the Warrnambool Campus, making friends, and giving back to the International Students Group by volunteering my time to pick up new students from the train station and showing them around Warrnambool.
What were some of the things you gained or liked about Deakin apart from your education?
When studying, everyone wants to come out with a degree and get a job. One thing we must remember is that whilst in the process of doing that, we gain a whole new skillset without realising it. For example - you learn to work as a team (collaboration), you improve your communication skills, presenting skills, research skills, objection handling and so on. These are skills money can't buy. Skills that you will use throughout your life.
What has been your career highlight?
My career highlights have been being in charge of several projects and marketing campaigns that roll out quarterly.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy?
The aspects of my job I enjoy is I get to keep myself abreast with the latest technology, or IT services offered and also customer relationship management. Also, the ability to network with colleagues and clients. It is a fantastic way to look out for different opportunities within the company if you are seeking a change. I believe that at any organisation, don't wait for opportunities to fall your way. Go out, network, and seek the opportunities for yourself. It is always good to be pro-active.
Alvin is currently working as a Consultant at IBM. Return to Student profiles.
