September 25, 2024

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Nitchanunt Chitruttanarut

Student spotlight: Nitchanunt Chitruttanarut

Nitchanunt, known as "Mimie," is in her final trimester pursuing dual master’s degrees in human resource management (HRM) and financial management at Sydney CBD Campus. With ten years of experience in back-office management within global organisations and start-ups, she has successfully managed HR operations, staff onboarding, and financial management. With a chuckle, she claims, "I'm from Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, which is why I keep smiling, even when I encounter challenges."

From Thailand to UOW HR Management

Mimie's academic journey has been deeply influenced by her diverse work experiences. Having worked in various environments – from global organizations to start-ups – she has witnessed firsthand the crucial role that effective HR practices play in fostering positive workplace culture. This extensive background ignited Mimie’s enthusiasm for understanding how strategic HR management can enhance employee engagement, optimize recruitment processes, and implement effective policies. Hence, she believes this advanced study will equip her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in her field, serving as a vital stepping stone for both her career opportunities and personal growth in Human Resource and Financial Management.

Overcoming challenges

During her time at UOW, Mimie faced the challenge of balancing a demanding workload with extracurricular commitments. At times, assignments, group projects, and exams coincided with club activities and part-time work. She wisely points a solution, “I had to develop a more structured approach to my studies. I created a detailed schedule that prioritised deadlines and broke down tasks into smaller, manageable parts.” She added that when faced with difficulties, she reached out to professors for support and collaborated with peers, which not only helped her grasp complex concepts but also eased academic pressure.

Impactful projects

One of the most transformative experiences for Mimie at UOW was her Business Capstone project, MGNT922. This project required her to analyse a real-world business problem and propose strategic solutions. It enhanced her problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership skills in a professional consulting environment. She emphasised, “Working on this project pushed me to refine my ability to integrate multiple business disciplines, such as HRM, finance, and operations, into cohesive strategies.” This experience deepened her understanding of stakeholder management and the importance of integrating multiple business disciplines into cohesive strategies, preparing her for real-world challenges.

Proud achievements

 One of Mimie's proudest achievements was assisting a start-up in its foundational journey, from company registration to building a strong leadership team. She played an important role in recruiting senior positions and developing company policies and procedures for the company. She shares, "this experience changed my leadership style, emphasizing teamwork, flexibility, and clear communication. It taught me the importance of empowering others and creating a space for learning and innovation, helping me value growth and resilience in tough times."

Unexpected discoveries

An unexpected lesson from Mimie’s time at UOW was the importance of adaptability in learning and problem-solving. Initially believing that success relied on mastering specific skills, she quickly realized that being open to change and willing to pivot is essential. She reflects, “whether it was adjusting to new technologies, different teaching styles, or collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, adaptability became a key factor in overcoming challenges. This insight has encouraged me to embrace uncertainty and approach challenges with a growth mindset.”

Future leadership aspirations

After graduation from UOW, Mimie aspires to become an HRM Director, where she can influence strategic decision-making and drive employee engagement. She claims the degree will equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effective HR initiatives.

Mimie sees opportunities both locally and internationally, particularly in the growing demand for HR professionals skilled in change management and diversity initiatives. With the rise of tech start-ups and multinational corporations in her home country Thailand, she hopes to contribute to digital transformation in HR. With an ambitious sneer, she shares, “Internationally, I see increased opportunities on global HRM, where managing cross-cultural teams and implementing employee wellbeing programs in a post-pandemic work environment are critical. My aim is to stay adaptable and open to both local and international opportunities, driving impactful HR strategies across industries.”

Finally, don't be afraid to seek support, whether academic or mental health-related, because UOW has a wide range of services designed to help students thrive. Keep an open mind, remain curious, and enjoy the journey!!

Advice for fellow students

Mimie encourages fellow peers to make the most out of the resources and opportunities available at UOW. Full of enthusiasm, she says, “engage with your lecturers and tutors – they're more approachable than you might think. Time management is crucial for balancing studies with other commitments. Also don’t be afraid to utilise the student support services, whether for academic or mental health support.  Lastly, stay curious, keep an open mind, and enjoy every moment of your student journey!”