Subhasmita Behera

Where is your home country?

India

Where do you live now?

India

What languages do you speak?

Bengali, English, Hindi, Odia

What was the name of your course?

Master in Business Administration (Enterprise & Leadership)

When did you graduate?

2021

What is the name of your education institution?

The University of Sydney

NSW is an inclusive place that makes it ideal for international students due to the quality of education, global academic recognition, cultural diversity and safe and vibrant community.

Why did you choose to study in this field?

The full-time MBA program at University of Sydney Business School is unique as it offers a combination of high-level research with experiential learning that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. The subject units are futuristic and they equip students with the required skills and knowledge to navigate through complexities and ambiguity in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world.

The MBA assessments are well structured including engaging podcast and video journals to mention a few. Apart from the curriculum, the university offers opportunities to be part of industry networking events including start-up pitch nights, club membership and tech and digital transformation webinars or forums.


Why did you decide to study in NSW?

NSW is an inclusive place that makes it ideal for international students due to the quality of education, global academic recognition, cultural diversity and safe and vibrant community.


Tell us about your experience studying in NSW

I experienced that NSW is open to new thoughts and minds. I had a great experience living, learning and progressing my career goals in NSW along with my family which include my husband and a child. The vibrant community, warm climate and kids’ education were other factors that made my stay pleasant and easy.


What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?

I was fortunate to be part of USYD Tech & Innovation Club leadership team and led efforts in bringing disruptive tech stories via webinars and podcasts. I actively participated in industry networking events including startups, and I was associated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Australia as a volunteer participating in refugee campaigns and grant program initiatives.


Did you work or undertake projects with employers or industry groups during your studies? If yes, how did this experience benefit your career?

The capstone project was a highly rewarding experience for me as it gave me an opportunity to stitch together various MBA learnings around leadership, finance, strategy, data analytics, tech and innovation concepts and apply them in solving a real time business problem for the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).


What are you doing now in your career?

I work at an Investment Bank as Vice President, Engineering Manager, and I’m responsible for leading payment transformation efforts for the respective line of business.


Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

I aspired to take up larger responsibilities in leading diversified portfolio, driving digitalisation programs and building strategic initiatives in the technology arena. In order to specialise in this way, I wanted to equip myself with skills and knowledge from an academic environment where I could intensely investigate the various facets of business management streams.


Can you share any career advice for current students or graduates?

Focus on your goals, build meaningful networks, and participate across all the avenues of your interest areas to learn, contribute, and grow.


What is the best way to develop a social life in NSW?

By becoming part of university clubs as per individual interest and passion. Also, by joining special interest groups, meetups, webinars, forums and Business School networking events.


Do you remain involved with NSW? (if so, how)?

I am part of the University of Sydney alumni network and participate in webinars and attend guest speaker sessions. Also, I’m a member of the Tech & Innovation Club leadership team, where I’m contributing on an ongoing basis by unpacking trending topics in tech and innovations via a podcast series along with other club members. I was invited to speak at a student information session answering future student’s queries for the 2021 MBA full time cohort.


Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience studying in NSW?

NSW is an ideal place for international students who come with their families. Apart from the world class education, NSW offers a quality lifestyle and vibrant neighbourhoods that makes settling and staying super easy.

Graduation photo of Subhamista in front of the University of Sydney Great Hall

Subhamista and a friend in front of the University of Sydney backdrop