An Odyssey of Passion and Progress in the world of Corporate Communication. - Spotlight Greater KL

An Odyssey of Passion and Progress in the world of Corporate Communications.

In this final instalment of our #MalaysianTalent series, we meet Shivasangari (Shiva), a dynamic 25-year old graduate from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), whose journey into the corporate communications world began as she completed her graduate trainee program with Atlas Copco Malaysia.

Shivasangari

25 Years Old

Communications Support, Atlas Copco Malaysia

Shiva embarked on her career as a team support, with a solid educational background in communications and fuelled by an unwavering passion for the field. Her eagerness for knowledge and personal growth propels her towards her aspiration of becoming a communication professional. In this interview, Shiva candidly shares her transformative experiences transitioning into the corporate communication sphere, shedding light on her early steps as a young graduate and the invaluable insights she gleaned throughout the journey.

Q1: Can you share how you landed into your current role as communication support and what inspired you to pursue this field?

My career journey began in 2022 when I joined Atlas Copco (Malaysia) immediately after graduating through their Graduate Trainee program with a 1-year contract in the Communications department. The program provided me with comprehensive training and exposure to the various aspects of communication, such as internal and external communications, marketing communications, and public relations.

After completing the program, I accepted the offer to continue my journey with Atlas Copco as a Communication Support in April 2023. This opportunity allowed me to expand my skills and knowledge in the communication field and contribute to the company's communication strategies.

Prior to my employment with Atlas Copco, I had completed an internship with the Great Heart Charity Association as a Social Media Intern. The experience helped me develop my social media management skills and provided me with the platform to use my skills to make a positive impact.

Communications has always been my forte, and I find myself growing vastly in this field. I am inspired by the ability of communication to connect people, influence behaviour, and impact lives positively. With every project and every opportunity, I am motivated to continue learning and growing to grow in my career as a communications professional.

Q2: Can you share with us what are the things that you enjoy about working in your current role at a multinational company?

As a Communications Support, my primary role is assisting the Communications team with a wide range of tasks. These include writing and editing marketing materials, managing social media accounts, coordinating, and planning events, and handling purchase orders. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the variety of tasks I get to work on. It keeps things interesting, and I'’m constantly learning new skills and gaining new experiences.

Working at Atlas Copco has been a great experience for me. As a multinational company, its strong global presence provides endless opportunities for learning and growth. There is a culture of continuous learning, and the company encourages all employees to never stop growing and develop their skills.

What I really appreciate about working at this company is the inclusive and diverse culture. Every employee is valued and appreciated regardless of background, with equal opportunities for everyone to perform and excel. At Atlas Copco, we have the chance to meet and work with people from all over the world, and this exposure to different cultures and perspectives has been a very enriching experience for me.

Overall, working at a leading global company like Atlas Copco has been an incredible experience. I can develop my skills and grow as a professional while being part of a diverse and inclusive community that values and supports all its employees.

Q3: What were the biggest challenges you have faced or lessons you have gained throughout your working journey?

Managing different personalities and situations – at some point, we have to deal with difficult people, whether it’s a demanding boss, an aggressive colleague, or an unhappy vendor. To overcome this challenge, I learned to stay calm and professional, listen actively to their concerns, and seek to understand their perspective. I also learned to set boundaries and stand up for myself when necessary.

The most valuable lesson I have learned throughout my career journey is the importance of adaptability and resilience. The world of work is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is crucial. I have learned that setbacks and failures are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing challenges and remaining adaptable and resilient, I am able to overcome obstacles and achieve success in my career.

At this point, I am grateful to the Human Resource department as they have cultivated an environment in which we can raise a red flag to bring burning matters to discussion, and they make sure we are able to solve them with peace.

Q4: As a new joiner, can you share what are the strategies or tips you have taken to familiarise yourself with the new company and its culture?

Honestly, I did not know much about the business function of Atlas Copco at first. When I first joined the company, I had zero knowledge about the company. Perhaps, I should thank LinkedIn and the internal learning space called the “Learning Link” of Atlas Copco itself. I explored more about their business function, work culture, BCOPs, etc. and others via these learnings. It is also important for me to speak to my manager and learn about the company as my superior has served the company for around 25 years and she guided me in every step of my learnings about the company.

Q5: What is your advice to the other young graduates who look forward to starting their career journey?

Grab opportunities! Right after graduating, I submitted my job application to various companies. One day, I received a forwarded message from a friend inviting me to join the InvestKL Talent Programme. Without hesitation, I applied for the training. The 3-month program proved to be incredibly valuable and opened unexpected doors. Following its completion, I was contacted by the HR at Atlas Copco Malaysia for an interview, and I knew this was the path for me. Trusting my instincts, I took the opportunity, and it has paid off tremendously. Remember that sometimes our impulsive decisions may lead us to success, so don't hesitate to seize opportunities when they come your way.

Q5: Finally, can you share some tips for young talents on how to shine among the employers?

An employee with a strong skill set is a valuable asset for a company because not everyone can do everything. Therefore, specialisation in a specific field is key for young talents to get into a company. Hands-on job experience is also helpful to make yourself stand out better in the eyes of recruiters.