As the Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Brazil, Master of Commerce (Marketing) graduate Fred Santoro is responsible for leading a team, one that helps startups scale and grow their business through the use of AWS cloud solutions. His role is to continue to establish AWS as a leader and pioneer in the cloud industry. Furthermore, he regularly speaks at the many startup events hosted by Amazon.

Just like his startup clients, Fred knows what it’s like to be a ‘small fish’ in a world where few people know your name. Back in 1999, he travelled from Brazil to Sydney in order to ring in the new Millennium. While the trip was brief, he quickly fell in love with the city, and decided to return to Sydney three years later – after graduating from university in Brazil – to complete his postgraduate degree.

Why Macquarie University though? According to Fred it was, “… because of its beautiful campus, helpful international department, and the courses being more accessible and affordable than what other countries had to offer back then.” For these reasons, he found the transition to campus life seamless, and the experience to be truly inspiring.

At Macquarie University, Fred acquired the practical skills, knowledge and hands-on experience that he would need to be the in-demand professional he is today. By studying the Master of Commerce degree, he gained a comprehensive understanding of all areas of business – including Accounting, Business Management and Organisation, Finance, Human Resources Management and Marketing. Best of all? He had the freedom to explore his own interests. As a result, he made the decision to enrol in Marketing Communications, a course that helped him discover one of his greatest passions: public speaking.

Marketing communications is, of course, an integral part of an organisation’s marketing efforts. It can be loosely described as all of the messages and media that you deploy to communicate with your target market. With the right positioning and marketing message, your campaign will more likely create and sustain demand and preference for your product.

During this course, Fred was particularly impressed by his lecturer. They took a hands-on approach to teaching, encouraging students to get involved in practical exercises, as opposed to just studying theoretical principles. The class also had a chance to review real-life case studies, and learn from those examples to create their own documents and strategies. In Fred’s own words, “He taught the class as a leader, not only as a teacher. I will never forget this. It was a fantastic way to learn, more practical and less theoretical.”

Fred still uses the skills and knowledge he gained at Macquarie to do what he loves. As the Head of Startups at AWS, he is responsible for managing a large team, and collaborating with a wide range of people – including providers, colleagues, employees, shareholders, directors and competitors – from different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities. After developing his writing and speaking skills in English, Fred says he has been able to communicate more effectively and persuasively with stakeholders, as well as gain a deeper appreciation for cultures outside of his own.

Outside of academia, Fred also devoted time to the Macquarie University social clubs and groups. “I had spectacular moments with my classmates in social extra-curricular activities. I participated in several sports activities on campus, especially football. Although, a Brazilian, I admit that I had more experience than my classmates!” Surrounded by a lively and engaging campus atmosphere, he was able to find and connect with like-minded people, pursue his interests and discover new hobbies. Thus further developing the kind of soft skills that are invaluable to employers, such as listening, public speaking, leadership and teamwork.

In one final note, Fred offers some inspiring words for international students who are considering studying at Macquarie University, “Do not hesitate. It will be one of the best experiences ever. It was for me. I miss it every day, even now!”

Fred Santoro is currently Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Brazil. He travelled to Australia as an international student in 2002 and was awarded a Master of Commerce (Marketing)