Why 21st century success begins with studying business abroad

Huijia Liu (Vicky) can tell you exactly how transformative an international education can be.

Originally from China’s Guangxi Province, the Master of Accounting student at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is now living an academic and social life in Australia that’s held in high esteem back home. A recipient of the Global Achiever Award Scholarship to study a postgraduate accounting degree at one of Times Higher Education’s “rising star” universities, Vicky chose CDU for its’ unique culture and strong research focus on Australian Indigenous knowledge.

It’s the combination of everything that makes Vicky happy with her choice to study here: a modern campus surrounded by nature, the chance to travel to Uluru, attending the Council for International Students Australia 2019 Conference in Perth, the wide variety of resources available on campus and so forth. Most importantly, she finds the campus community to be helpful and close-knit.

“Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers,” said Vicky. “Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.”

Vicky is based at CDU’s Asia Pacific College of Business and Law. Four disciplines are taught here: Business, Law, Accounting & Finance and VET Business, with several levels of studies offered: Vocational, Undergraduate, Honours and Postgraduate.

Source: Charles Darwin University – Vicky

Recently, as one of 10 international students to travel to Katherine – a town a few hours’ drive south of her base campus in Darwin – Vicky also got to join a business trip organised by the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce. There, a meeting with the CEO of a financial firm helped her create valuable connections with the local professional accounting network.

Thanks to CDU’s national network of campuses and partners, students can capitalise on multi-city study experiences. Whether it’s in Darwin, Sydney, Alice Springs or all three, it’s an opportunity to explore different facets of Australia. Such experiences present a conducive platform for self-development.

Scientists have found that those who lived abroad had higher “self-concept clarity”—how clearly and confidently someone defines who they are. This leads to many practical advantages; with the ability to communicate and work well with people standing as the defining distinction between humans and machines in the coming Fourth Industrial Revolution, honing students’ confidence early will go a long way in their career trajectory.

In the short-term, CDU graduates enter the job market with sharpened communication skills, better problem-solving abilities and greater confidence – a winning trifecta for success.

Source: Charles Darwin University – Vicky

Smooth pathways to university and industry

Real world experience is a crucial aspect for every graduate entering the job market today. At this new global university, initiatives are embedded within every programme to ensure students establish a professional network, receive experiential learning and boost their employability.

For example, the 12-week internship programme open to Sydney MBA or MPA students brings them to a Sydney-based company to gain invaluable first-hand experience in the Australian workforce. Organised by CDU and taking place in the public or private sector relevant to students’ area of study, these internships have placed and subsequently landed permanent positions for CDU students in a wide range of organisations, from Fortune500 companies to local start-up firms.

Within the range of CDU course offerings, postgraduate students aren’t the only ones to receive such career-boosting opportunities. As a dual-sector university, CDU includes both vocational (skills-based) and higher (academic-based) education in the same institution. For international students, several pathways at all education levels are available, making it easy for their transition from vocational courses through to postgraduate study. This includes English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), CDU VET pathways, articulation programmes with several overseas institutions or via Advanced Standing.

Source: Charles Darwin University – Vicky

At the Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, courses range from Certificate III to Diploma level across business, business administration, clerical, small business management, accounting and financial services, and more.

Even full-time VET students at CDU can gain practical ‘real office’ experience in all aspects of business and administration by undertaking day training at CDU Waterfront.  Delivered at the award-winning simulated business environment in partnership with Crocodylus Park, Berrimah, students will complete the required competencies in a practical manner and learn decision making, problem-solving, team participation, and other important skills.

Explore Charles Darwin University and build your own unique pathway to future business success. No matter what your passions and talents, Charles Darwin University offers the perfect base to kickstart an exciting career and life ahead.

Read more about Vicky’s story here.

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