Career Stories: Methsala Nanayakkara

Profiling the career stories of our people has allowed us an insight into what drives them and the different ways in which they have navigated their careers.

This career story is different. This story is about drive, optimism and looking ahead.

Methsala Nanayakkara is at the beginning of her career, plotting her path forward and soaking up all of the insight she can. With a contagious enthusiasm and smarts to back it up, here’s Methsala’s story.

VCX: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

MN: I came to Melbourne as an International student to complete a Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University in 2018. I'm from Sri Lanka, am an only child and always dreamed of studying abroad - although my first choice was USA, specifically Seattle!

I've always had a 'go and do it' attitude (I got that from my mum) and moving here with no family or friends at a young age was a massive shock and really challenging at times (especially navigating through COVID), but it’s the best thing I've ever done. I always tell people, I love to be uncomfortable, as I know it always leads me to something better!

VCX: What led you to Vicinity?

MN: I had heard of Vicinity through a friend who had previously worked here and had only positive things to say about the culture. She described it as inclusive, with genuine diversity and supportive leaders, so when I saw the job ad for a Chadstone Valet Attendant, despite it having nothing to do with what I was studying, I applied.

I joined the team soon after, checking in valet customers and working on our hands-free shopping service, a role I absolutely loved.

VCX: What do you like about Vicinity?

MN: Everyone is down to earth and when there's an incident everyone is quick to act and assist, with people always going above their role. The culture here shows people really care and nobody would stand by and let people feel unsafe, which is really important to me.

I’ve been supported to grow both professionally and personally and am grateful for the attitude of my managers and colleagues who always have my best interests and development at heart, they very much take a view of – do you want to do this? Then let’s make it happen!

VCX: Tell us about your career journey at Vicinity?

MN: I loved my valet role and since day one have been supported and given many opportunities to develop my skills and try new things. My manager was amazing and put me forward to be a valet “champion”, which saw me meeting with new retailers to introduce our hands-free shopping service. This built my confidence and helped me learn more about the business, our customers and retailers, and understand their perspectives and how we can assist them.

I was also given the opportunity to take on a parcel coordinator role during the Black Friday / Christmas period, allocating team members to different zones and monitor the parcel flow throughout the day along with the responsibility for dealing with any issues with customers regarding the hands-free shopping service. The service was first launched in 2022 and I’m proud to say by 2023 we processed 700 parcels for customers with zero missing parcels – something I’m really proud of!

That was what connected me to my current role as Chadstone Team Coordinator. My manager noticed my skills and ability to collaborate, coordinate and stay calm in stressful situations, and put me forward for the role.

When I found out I got the role I burst into tears as I just loved my role in valet so much and didn’t want to leave the team. I’d made such good friends here, I even had a friend come to my university graduation ceremony, which meant the world to me, especially with no family here in Australia.

I had to remind myself that good things happen when you push through the discomfort and I am absolutely loving my new role!

VCX: You’re also working with the Data, Insights and Innovation team on an exciting project, can you share a bit about that? 

MN: I was introduced to the Data, Insights and Innovation team to find out more about the team’s role at Vicinity and how we use data and insights to drive business decisions. As it happened, not long after we connected, they kicked off a valet project and invited me to be part of it.

This is so exciting for me as I just love the valet role, and now get to put my obsession with numbers and my university degree to good use! It goes to show how important it is to build connections and network – I’m so glad I did. Stay tuned to hear more about this project soon!

VCX: How have you grown since you first joined us?

MN: I’ve developed my leadership and communication skills and learnt a lot about managing priorities in a fast-paced environment! I see a big difference between me today and the version of me whose hands were shaking as she checked in her first customer at valet all those years ago!

VCX: Best career advice you’ve received?

MN: Hmmm, I hate the saying “fake it til you make it”, I always try to be transparent and if I don’t know something (yet), I ask questions and let people know that I’m interested and want to learn from them.

I think the best career advice is to have your own style and build your brand – be that employee that you want to see in others.

I'd also say that, within our busy work lives, it's important to be empathetic and take time for each other; understanding each other's journey will allow us to truly connect and thrive.

Inspired by Methsala's story, head to our Careers page to find your next opportunity at Vicinity.