Pursuing dream careers at Deakin

Want an innovative international education that will help prepare you for your dream career? Choose Deakin University, Australia, ranked among the top universities for course satisfaction, graduate employability and industry engagement.

Hear from two Indonesian former Deakin students, Lela and Sharon, about how their Deakin studies equipped them to achieve their career goals.

Choosing a degree to match my aspirations

When Lela (pictured above) was searching for the right university, she knew she wanted somewhere that would help prepare her for her future career.

‘What initially drew me to Deakin was its forward-thinking curriculum, one that seamlessly integrates critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and real-world application. From the very beginning, I sensed that this program was carefully designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic global business environment,’ she says.

Lela chose to study a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin, majoring in Management. She found her confidence and resilience grew significantly throughout her studies. Working with other students from diverse backgrounds encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and adapt to new ways of thinking and collaborating.

Developing a skill set for success

Deakin alumni Sharon first discovered her passion for working with data when she completed a Diploma of Commerce program at Deakin College. The experience inspired her to continue her journey at Deakin and pursue her Bachelor of Business Analytics, which she completed in 2023.

‘During my studies, I gained a wide range of valuable skills – both technical and soft skills – that I continue to rely on in my professional role today. I learned how to work with tools like Excel, Python, SQL, and Power BI to turn raw data into meaningful insights,’ says Sharon.

For Sharon, the ‘soft skills’ she developed in communication, confidence, leadership and continuous learning have been fundamental alongside that practical knowledge.

‘Today, communication is a critical part of my role. Whether it is sharing insights with non-technical stakeholders or working closely with colleagues across departments, the ability to explain complex data in a clear and confident way is just as important as the analysis itself. My time at Deakin helped me grow into someone who can do both – and that has made all the difference in how I contribute to my team and the broader organisation,’ she says.

Opportunities to put learning into real-world practice

While studying, Lela took advantage of the opportunities provided by the university’s careers service DeakinTALENT, including an internship through the FreelancingHUB.

‘My responsibilities included in-depth research, developing cost-benefit analyses using Excel, preparing the business case, and contributing to the final report. This hands-on consulting experience was transformative as it strengthened my analytical mindset and communication skills,’ says Lela.

Sharon also had the opportunity to complete an internship in the final year of her degree, where she put her skills into practice and developed the connections that led to her current job as a Data Analyst at a solar energy equipment company in Melbourne.

‘I really appreciated the support Deakin provided around transitioning into the workforce. It helped me feel prepared, confident, and supported during a time that can otherwise feel quite daunting,’ shared Sharon.

Supported to thrive

For anyone considering studying at Deakin, Lela has some words of encouragement.

‘You will not be doing it alone. Deakin offers excellent support through student advisors and academic consultants. By the end of your studies, you will be well prepared, with a strong academic foundation and the practical experience to thrive in your future career.’

Why choose Deakin University, Australia?

Industry-engaged curriculum: Gain valuable hands-on experience for your future career through work-integrated learning, internships, and industry partnerships.

Global outlook: Join a multicultural community, interact with students and faculty from around the world, and expand your international network.

Comprehensive support: Dedicated student services to help with English language preparation, employment, academic advice, and wellbeing.

Employability focus: DeakinTALENT’s award-winning careers programs offers workshops, job search support, and networking opportunities to set you up for your dream career.

Unlock your potential. Study at Deakin University, Australia and take the next step towards a global career.