Ten quick questions with Murdoch alumnus Ben Arnold, a man deft at both the boondock and squop, but not together!
What did you study at Murdoch?
I studied a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Management
How is life post-graduation?
Life post-graduation is excellent. I am lucky to have a beautiful wife (Vicky), two gorgeous girls (Annabel and Evelyn) and a fulfilling work life at A&P Advisory. The flexible and professionally rewarding work includes providing risk, governance and internal audit support primarily in the resources sector.
Following on from completing my Murdoch degree, I completed my Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification and spent 10 years living in London and Houston. I enjoyed pursuing a more ‘non-traditional’ accounting route, which allowed me to complete audit and governance work in project and office locations in Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.
I love living back in Perth and enjoy the beach, spending time down south and events such as the Outdoor Cinemas at Murdoch University!
What do you think is Murdoch’s point of difference compared with other universities?
I think that Murdoch has a perfect blend of world class lecturers, beautiful surroundings to spend time on campus and a genuine community feel which I believe other universities would strive to match.
Tell me something you think or believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that ‘business shorts’ shouldn’t be confined to certain professions (e.g. bus drivers), they should be encouraged for more widespread usage in warm climates like Perth.
Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
The most beautiful place I have ever been was Petra in Jordan. Petra is an archaeological site which dates to around 300 B.C. It was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
The best decision I have ever made was to head to London to work after I finished my studies. It gave me opportunity to gain international experience in the resources sector and spend time in a lot of different cultures. I was lucky to see plenty of good concerts, go snowboarding with a great group of mates and to meet my future wife at an excellent Wolfmother concert!!
A close, second-best decision was to take a chance and attend a Pearl Jam concert in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, at the last minute through involved means following a hectic work schedule. It turned out to be one of the best (it not the best) concert I have ever seen.
What are you hopeless at?
I am hopeless at doing a John Lennon Memorial Shot. This is a simultaneous boondock and squop in the game of tiddlywinks. I am involved with the Australian Tiddlywinks Association (ATWA) and am constantly trying to master this shot but have been largely unsuccessful to date.
Who inspires you?
My mum and dad have both constantly supported and inspired me throughout my life. They have both worked hard throughout their lives and have made sacrifices for my sister & I. We are lucky to live close and spend good quality time with my parents, which maximises the opportunity for both inspiration and ‘life guidance’.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I ever received was ‘Trust but Verify’. This applies equality to both personal and professional settings and supports having a healthy scepticism and curiousness with situations and the vast amounts of information available today.
