Hi, my name is Rahul Saxena, I'm from India and I'm doing a Master of Business at The University of Queensland. I'm also a UQ International Student Ambassador.
Why did you choose to study in Australia and specifically at UQ?
I originally came to Australia and Brisbane because of family. UQ was my first choice in Brisbane because of its reputation, course structure and alumni. UQ seemed very welcoming and a place that could nurture my skills and help equip me with the right knowledge and skills for the future. I chose to study the Master of Business, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources, because it had all the elements that I needed to build my career as an entrepreneur.
What are your thoughts on studying in Australia and Brisbane?
Australia has amazing people, good coffee and a culture which is very multicultural. When I lived in the state of Queensland I really felt like a Queenslander and a true local. This wouldn't be possible without the welcoming nature of Australians and Queenslanders in particular.
Brisbane as a city is really different to most other places in the world. It’s a wonderful laid-back city. Its peaceful and happy environment will grow on you. I’ve made a lot of friends through my education here and I know that these amazing people will remain lifelong associations. Brisbane is a beautiful city and the only city outside of India that I truly call my home; I know I will feel the same whenever I come and visit again.
What are the best things about your program at UQ?
The best part about my experience was the knowledge and teaching style of my lecturers. I enjoyed the real-world experience that I got through my lectures, coursework and industry-related work. Support staff and UQ administration were also very helpful throughout my studies.
I also undertook internships through the Business, Economics and Law Faculty Careers program, which involved working with a not-for-profit and a social entrepreneurship venture. This experience helped me hone my entrepreneurial skills and gain insights into how the real world functions. As someone who is aspiring to become an entrepreneur, I really believe that UQ has helped me gain the insights and skills needed to get there.
What advice would you give people from other countries about studying at UQ?
Take the time to understand the teaching style and university system in Australia as this can be different in each country.
Remember that UQ provides an environment where you can take risks, fail, learn and grow to become a successful person. Take the opportunity to pursue internships, undertake volunteer work and participate in all the clubs and societies that UQ offers. Don't be afraid to network within your faculty, at the university level and within industry. And of course, meet new people from different cultures – this will help you become a global citizen with perspective into different cultures.
