Aiden May’s career is defined by navigating complexity at the intersection of business, government, and global affairs. In his current professional work, Aiden operates across commercial and public sectors, advising on international strategy, evaluating geopolitical risk, and facilitating multi-stakeholder negotiation. Driven by a passion for understanding how political systems and social dynamics shape decision-making, he applies the analytical rigor of his humanities background to solve real-world strategic challenges.

Aiden’s journey at Monash University was built on curiosity and intellectual exploration. Entering his Bachelor of Arts with a natural inclination to plan ahead, he quickly realized that the greatest strength of an Arts degree lies in its breadth before specialization. Choosing to major in International Studies, Economics, and Politics, Aiden embraced the opportunity to challenge his assumptions and engage deeply with diverse disciplines. A pivotal moment in his degree came during the summer of 2019–2020, when he participated in the Monash Global Immersion Program in Indonesia—an experience that cemented his interest in international relations and underscored the vital importance of cultural literacy.

Today, Aiden credits his Monash Arts foundation with giving him the intellectual confidence and adaptability required to thrive in rapidly changing commercial and diplomatic landscapes. By focusing on how to think rather than simply absorbing static information, he has built a versatile career that demonstrates the enduring, practical value of a humanities education in modern society.

Career Pathway

• 2026 – Present: Senior Consultant,  Envoy Public Affairs.
• 2024 – 2026: Policy Analyst/Associate, Envoy Public Affairs.
• 2023 Intern/Junior Economic Affairs Officer,  World Trade Organization
• 2020 – 2022: Student Participant, Monash Global Immersion Program (Indonesia), Monash University

In conversation with Aiden May

What is one piece of advice/wisdom you wish someone had shared with you on your first day at Monash?

I wish someone had told me that you don’t need to have everything figured out on day one — not your major, not your first job, and certainly not your entire career path.

I’m naturally someone who likes to plan and “future-cast,” and I initially felt pressure to map out every step. But one of the great strengths of an Arts degree — and the humanities more broadly — is that it builds intellectual breadth before it demands specialisation. That breadth is not a weakness; it is an asset.

I had friends in degrees with very clear vocational pathways. While they often appeared to have more direction, I realised that the flexibility within Arts encouraged me to be curious, to explore, and to genuinely engage with what I was learning. Rather than studying to reach a predefined endpoint, I was learning how to think — and that proved far more valuable in the long run.

From your perspective, why is Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences an area of study crucial for today’s society?

One of the most valuable skills Arts and Humanities develop is the ability to think critically — and, importantly, to know what questions to ask.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI, information is abundant and tools are powerful. The value of such tools is often proportionate to the effectiveness of the questions being asked and guiding them. The ability to sift through complexity, identify what is relevant, and frame precise, meaningful questions is what transforms raw capability into real impact. That discipline of thought — not just processing information, but directing it — is where the enduring strength of the Arts lies.

An Arts education teaches you to examine issues from multiple perspectives and to understand complexity. Problems in the real world are rarely as simple as A + B = C. They involve overlapping variables — economic, political, social, cultural — and the ability to navigate those dimensions is crucial.

Although I studied economics as part of my degree, the greatest value was not simply learning to solve equations or run econometric models. Many people can calculate “x.” The more meaningful skill is understanding why “x” matters — its implications, its limitations, and its relevance in a broader context.

Education is ultimately about foundations. When you learn how to think, analyse, and continually refine your understanding, technical skills become easier to acquire and apply. The humanities provide that intellectual architecture — one that supports lifelong learning and thoughtful leadership.

What advice would you give to new students on how to make the most of their time at Monash, both academically and socially?

For at least your first semester, be a “yes” person.

Academically, go to your lectures. Ask questions — even the ones you think might sound basic. If you’re wondering something, others probably are too. Choose subjects that challenge your assumptions and expand your worldview. And don’t hesitate to seek help; that’s part of the learning process, not a sign of weakness.

Socially, put yourself in situations where you’ll meet new people. Join clubs, attend events, sit next to someone new in class. Everyone is navigating the same transition — leaving school and entering something unfamiliar. University is a rare environment where so many people are open to forming new friendships at the same time. Some of my closest friendships began in those early, slightly uncomfortable moments of saying yes.

How did your Monash Arts degree contribute to where you are today in your career or personal life?

My Arts degree has shaped my career in profound ways.

Technically, it gave me a framework for analysing complex problems, distilling large volumes of information, and communicating ideas clearly and persuasively. In my professional life — whether advising, negotiating, writing, or making strategic decisions — those skills have been far more important than any standalone technical credential.

I work across industries and frequently navigate business-to-government, government-to-government, and commercial environments. That requires understanding political systems, evaluating geopolitical risk, identifying value, and communicating it effectively. The adaptability and analytical discipline developed through Arts have been critical.

Personally, it gave me intellectual confidence. It taught me to form strong views — but to hold them thoughtfully and revise them when necessary. Perhaps most importantly, it taught me how to learn. In a rapidly changing world, that capacity is invaluable.

How did the Monash Arts community support your growth and ambitions during your studies?

The Arts community at Monash created an environment where ideas genuinely mattered.

Tutorials were not just about absorbing content; they were about dialogue. You learned that your perspective had value — but also that it could be sharpened, challenged, and strengthened. That process built both humility and confidence.

Lecturers and tutors encouraged intellectual risk-taking. They weren’t looking for rehearsed answers; they rewarded original thinking and thoughtful argumentation.

Being surrounded by curious, ambitious, and reflective peers also raises your own standards. You are constantly exposed to different viewpoints and ways of thinking. The Arts community fosters the understanding that thinking deeply is not just an academic exercise — it is a powerful and practical skill.

Were you actively involved in any activities that enhanced your university experience, such as, student organisations or clubs, internships or study abroad?

While I wasn’t involved in every club or organisation on campus, I sought experiences that aligned closely with my academic interests.

During the summer of 2019–2020, I studied in Indonesia through the Monash Global Immersion Program as part of my Bachelor of Arts. Having majored in International Studies, Economics, and Politics, this experience significantly deepened my interest in international relations.

Studying in Indonesia reinforced the importance of cultural literacy — understanding how history, social norms, and political systems shape decision-making. It highlighted that effective collaboration, whether in diplomacy, business, or policy, requires more than technical knowledge; it requires cultural awareness and empathy.

That experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for how interconnected and complex global challenges truly are.