Michelle Lim is a Bachelor of Global Studies alumna whose career reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian values, global citizenship, and community care. Now a Women and Children’s Social Worker in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, she supports women, young people, and families through some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives.

Her pathway began with a strong interest in international issues - refugee and asylum seeker communities, women and children, and global humanitarian work. Through her studies, overseas exchange, and leadership in the Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS), Michelle developed a global mindset that now shapes her practice as a clinician. She brings a nuanced understanding of how social, cultural, and geopolitical forces influence a person’s wellbeing, and she uses that lens to advocate for vulnerable individuals and drive meaningful change within complex systems.

Career Pathway:

• 2024 - Current  Women and Children’s Social Worker  - Hospital inpatient and outpatient services
• 2024 Drug and Alcohol Social Worker
• 2020 – Current Youth Advisory Committee Member, Australian Red Cross
• 2020 – 2024  Youth Advisory Committee Chair, Australian Red Cross (Victoria)
• 2021 – 2025  President, Asian Australian Project
• 2020 – 2021  Vice President, Asian Australian Project
• 2022 – 2023  Integrated Family Services Practitioner,
• 2022 – 2023  Casework Volunteer, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Education

• Master of Social Work, University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Global Studies, Monash University, 2019

What inspired you to study the Bachelor of Global Studies at Monash?

In high school, I was passionate about humanitarian issues and giving back to the community and engaging on a larger global scale - overseas, with women and children, and migrants. I originally wanted to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Bachelor of Global Studies is designed to look at the world on a global scale, and that’s why I chose it. And I always wanted to do an exchange in an overseas location. I did 6 months in the University of Bradford which is between Manchester and Leeds, and got an opportunity to work in the north of England. It really opened my eyes to how global issues play out in different communities.

Were you involved in any student clubs or societies during your time at Monash?

I was part of MIAS, a student society that runs a model UN and a lot of key events with ambassadors and general consuls. It provided a space where students could speak freely and we found that every time an ambassador attended, especially from Israel, a robust discussion with the students could lead to really honest geopolitical discussions. I was part of the executive society, and I participated in the Model UN and represented Monash. Being surrounded by people with similar ambitions made the experience even more meaningful.

My participation in extracurricular activities strengthened my passion for engaging in dialogue beyond where I am living, with students with similar goals and interests. The people that I saw present and got to interact with during my time in MIAS and that environment reminded me that careers aren’t linear - you can pivot while still staying true to your values.

What skills from your degree have shaped your work as a social worker, and what do you enjoy most about your role?

I am currently a Women and Children’s social worker. I work in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, supporting women who are pregnant, their families, and paediatric patients. A large part of my role is responding to things like family violence, child safety concerns, and risk, but it can also be as simple and meaningful as helping new parents who are overwhelmed or supporting a young person who is pregnant and still in high school. My job really depends on what the patient needs from me, and I feel very privileged to be invited into such an important part of their life. I get to see someone throughout their pregnancy and then meet their baby - that moment of seeing the real baby after months of talking about the metaphorical one is always special.

Some of the skills I use every day come directly from my degree and my time in MIAS. Having a global perspective helps me think beyond the individual in front of me - to consider the systems they’re navigating, the environment they grew up in, and the broader global factors shaping their wellbeing. Many of my patients come from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, and understanding those global dynamics helps me support their mental health and psychosocial needs, not just their medical presentation. Leadership, critical thinking and public speaking were also huge parts of my learning. Being able to articulate myself clearly, hold difficult conversations sensitively and advocate for someone’s story are all skills I practiced at university and now use every day as a clinician.

Why do you believe social work plays such an important role in today’s society?

I want to start with a saying in my profession ‘The worst it gets in society - the busier we are!’ We get to support people in some of the most defining periods in their lives. Getting the chance to support a vulnerable individual, to hold their story and advocate for them, is a privileged position. Not many people can be a support person who influences change. Social work sits quietly behind the scenes, but it’s essential to how communities function.

What advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Remind yourself that university is a big life experience — it’s not just about the academic side. Try to find your tribe and don’t just attend classes; go to groups, events and the many opportunities Monash offers. Making the most of your time outside the classroom is so important, and you never know where those connections will take you. Look at your university years as a holistic, multi‑dimensional experience. You can pivot if you need to and change the career goal posts - there’s no single ‘right’ path, and that’s actually a good thing.

Published in April 2026