Studying at Deakin facilitated my career success

My name is Emily, and I am from Vietnam. From a very young age, I was always passionate about studying abroad. The idea of living in another country and being able to explore a whole new world filled me with excitement. Captivated by the dynamic nature of marketing, I started searching for universities worldwide that offered the best-in-class marketing courses and then lodged applications with a few institutions in different countries.

I soon realised that choosing the ideal destination was not all about the quality of education, but also about its geographical features and cultures. Australia enchanted me with its deep azure oceans and the extensive coral reef system which can be seen with the naked eye through the crystal-clear tropical water. Overall, I was most thrilled with how vibrant and multicultural Australia is and that ensured I would always feel welcomed.

Deep down, I knew Australia and studying Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at Deakin was a wise choice.

Deakin University and I were somehow destined to meet. Honestly speaking, I did not expect to be entitled to the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship given its acknowledged competitiveness. One month after I received my offer letter from Deakin, an email came through, saying that I was the awardee! It was the happiest day of my life – I was one step closer to my favourite country and my career goal thanks to the University. Deep down, I knew Australia and studying Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at Deakin was a wise choice.

Dealing with homesickness

Nevertheless, the first few months abroad were quite tough on me. The excitement was also filled with some solitude – I was homesick. Further, the teaching method in university was far from what I experienced in high school. I remember staying up all night in the library doing research for assignments and exams. Fortunately, with the generous support of my academic mentor (Dr Allison Ringer, to whom I am always grateful) I was soon able to keep pace with university and ended up passing my exams with flying colours.

The first trimester was hard yet memorable as I got to go through it with the new friends I met at university. My friends played a tremendous role in helping me through homesickness. What kept me motivated all along was how passionately classes were taught by the unit teaching teams. They passed on practical knowledge and applied skills in a vivid and engaging way, further fuelling my love for marketing.

Not only did Deakin help me succeed academically, but the university also empowered me to thrive professionally.

Getting a head start on my dream career

Not only did Deakin help me succeed academically, but the University also empowered me to thrive professionally. Thanks to the abundance of career resources offered by DeakinTALENT, together with my academic mentor’s encouragement, I successfully secured an internship at Lovisa, one of Australia’s leading specialist fast fashion jewellery retailers.

At that point, I did not know that it would be the start of my career – I was retained to work as an Online Visual Merchandiser after the placement! The internship unearthed my passion for fashion retail and e-commerce.

The practical knowledge and skills taught at Deakin were undoubtedly the steppingstone that facilitated my professional success.

I am currently in my second year at Lovisa, working remotely as a Digital Trade Coordinator. The practical knowledge and skills taught at Deakin were undoubtedly the steppingstone that facilitated my professional success. Further, the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program is another key factor that helped me grow, both personally and professionally.

Now that I am back in my home country due to the outbreak of COVID-19, I miss the time when I was in Melbourne and studying at Deakin. I had an invaluable opportunity to travel across the different states of Australia, admire the magnificent natural landscapes, and immerse myself in the local culture.

I truly am grateful to Deakin University for this challenging yet rewarding experience. I would love to give back to the university that gave me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and helped me pursue my dreams. Last but not least, a big shout out to my family for realising all of this!

Quick links

Learn about Deakin’s business degrees here.
Discover our careers and employment services here.
Find out about Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship here.