Why did you choose NSW?
One factor was the relatively dry and warm climate, which was easy to adapt to. I also loved NSW’s easy access to Asia. It was great to have the freedom to easily book a flight back to see my family.
With its diversity and multiculturalism, Sydney reminded me of Hong Kong. You can easily find Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Chinese food statewide.
Stepping into Australia for the first time, it was easy to adapt to the lifestyle and culture. Sydney was a great place to make friends with locals and migrants alike. People are very friendly and open. You can ask a question to any stranger on the street and they will always give you an answer.
How have you benefited from studying in NSW?
It’s also exposed me to new cultures and people that helped shape who I am today. After graduating, I built connections in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand and Taiwan. This experience was invaluable in my current global role. I also became more outspoken, creative and open to trying new things.
The course I did at Macquarie University helped launch my career in media. While studying I applied for an internship at CNN International in their Hong Kong Headquarter office and was lucky to be accepted into an internship with them. Since then, I’ve worked for multinational companies as well as local Hong Kong and Mainland China companies.
What was the highlight?
My friends! I was very fortunate to make a lot of friends in Sydney, and stay friends with many of them. Not just my university classmates, but also friends from a Buddhist Organisation called Soka Gakkai International, Australia (SGI Australia).
Another highlight was staying with my homestay Australian family Wilma and Ralph. We’re still very close and speak all the time. I still remember my first day arriving at their house in Sydney. It was a sunny day and I felt so welcomed. Whenever I visit Sydney for work or travel, I make time to see them.
Where are you working now?
I’m currently Communications Business Partner for the Asia Pacific region of Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering, project management consultancies.
Can you share any career advice for current students or graduates?
Keep exploring different things to learn more about yourself and your interests. It’s very important to find something you find enjoyable and rewarding for a lifetime career. If you enjoy your job, you can thrive in it.
I encourage students and graduates to always speak up, ask questions and stay open to new projects. All experiences count and graduating is the perfect time to try new things.
Lastly, don’t lose hope. It’s understandable to want to give up but remember that no one is perfect. If you need, take a break, then stand up and try again.
