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 Viraj Perera
General MBA, Monash University
University previously attended University of Illinois, USA
Degree obtained BSc in Electrical Engineering
Country of origin Sri Lanka
Age 42 years
Career history
Viraj Perera is Deputy Commercial Manager for Major Projects Victoria (MPV). MPV manages large-scale development and construction projects, from concept to completion, for the Government of the State of Victoria, Australia.
Before migrating to Australia from Sri Lanka in 2003, I had worked in management in the private sector for 11 years. In 1992, I commenced as a management trainee, moving into engineering, dealing with renewable energy systems and then to managing an engineering company as general manager and finally director. My work involved major infrastructure project development, including finance aspects and related consultancy works on behalf of international firms, initiating contracts with multidisciplinary engineering companies in the energy, transport, highways, telecoms, marine works and construction sectors. Driven by lifestyle considerations, due to the unstable political environment in Sri Lanka, I decided to migrate to Australia.
Why Monash?
I chose to study for my MBA at Monash for two key reasons. First, Monash offered the flexibility of linking the MBA to other fields, such as engineering, applied finance, law etc. The course did not simply consist of a number of compulsory subjects, but included a very wide choice of electives. I ended up choosing a professional track in managerial finance alongside the core units. Secondly, I found that, in the international market, people had a very high level of awareness of Monash as compared with other Australian universities.
The programme
During my time at Monash, the faculty members and staff were genuinely interested in me as an individual. I found the multicultural environment to be beneficial, particularly interacting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives ? both in a professional and personal sense.
The group work helped to build strong friendships amongst people whose paths might otherwise never had crossed. Essentially, you get together for three months or so and are expected to deliver a high-class, professional project. This requires excellent communication and teamwork, and it?s imperative that every member of the team pulls their weight.
Life afterwards
I was recruited by MPV within two weeks of finishing my last exam ? even before the grades were out! I didn?t have any Australian work experience, so my time at Monash and the University?s reputation obviously helped significantly. I later learnt that there were more than 25 applicants shortlisted for the position. I work in an area where decision making is at a high level as it impacts on the whole State, and is based on complex financial structures, such as long-term bond strategies, risk management, government fiscal policies and other issues related to big business. The solid grounding in corporate finance and strategic business analysis gained at Monash helps me almost every day of my working life. 'I found that, in the international market, people had a very high level of awareness of Monash as compared with other Australian universities.'
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