JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 26 – Siti Fatimah Abd Rahman, an executive at PETRONAS and a distinguished alumna from the Physics Department at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), returned to her alma mater to share valuable insights with undergraduate students during the “Internship Insights: Navigating Your Career Journey” program. This event brought together first and third-year undergraduate physics students who were eager to learn from Siti Fatimah’s inspiring career journey and industry expertise.
Siti Fatimah joined PETRONAS in 2014 and has since made significant contributions to the success of Malaysia’s national oil, gas, and energy company. In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, she holds a LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt certification, highlighting her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
In her talk, Siti Fatimah discussed the qualities that top employers look for in graduates. She emphasized the importance of adaptability, strong communication skills, and critical thinking. Fatimah pointed out that today’s industries require graduates who are not only technically skilled but also able to collaborate effectively and provide creative solutions to complex challenges. “Employers seek graduates who can think critically, communicate clearly, and approach problems with a solutions-focused mindset,” she explained.
Siti Fatimah emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and focus as key elements of success. She shared her experiences to illustrate how perseverance and a willingness to continuously learn and grow were vital in her career. “Success doesn’t come overnight,” she reminded the students. “It requires ongoing effort, resilience, and a commitment to self-improvement.”
She encouraged students to seek internships and hands-on experiences to enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives. According to Siti Fatimah, internships are essential stepping stones that enable students to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of industry demands and professional expectations.
The forum allowed students to interact directly with Siti Fatimah, ask questions, and seek guidance on career planning. This event highlighted UTM’s dedication to connecting academic training with industry requirements, equipping students with the skills, attributes, and work ethic necessary for successful careers in physics and the sciences.