Diana Olarte Caro has already achieved so much in her life. But she knew studying a Master of International Economics and Finance at UQ would take her career further.
From the time she was a little girl in Colombia, Diana has always worked hard to turn her ambitions into reality. She has since built an enviable career that has taken her around the world. Her decision to undertake a Master of International Economics and Finance at UQ points to maintaining that competitive edge.
“Over the last few years, the global energy landscape has been experiencing profound changes. This creates increasingly dynamic and unpredictable outcomes,” Diana says.
As a senior production engineer with Shell and Maersk Oil, Diana has a strong technical background in oil and gas.
“I felt the strong need for broadening my skills and knowledge to become a key player," she says.
“It will also allow me to better contribute to overcoming some of the main challenges into the economic future.”
Combining a career in the energy sector with economics and finance expertise
Not only has Diana worked for some of the biggest global companies in the resources sector. From early on in her career, she has pioneered innovative engineering solutions.
She invented a new fracture simulation technique for injector wells only a few years after being part of a new mechanical well design that saved more than US$100 million on one particular extraction site alone.
“I actively participated in knowledge-sharing activities across the petroleum industry and have authored many technical publications. However, I still find my UQ experience is improving me,” she says.
“Taking the Master of International Economics and Finance has improved my critical thinking, discipline, sense of accomplishment and communication skills. The global economics and finance knowledge I'm gaining helps advance my career and expands my career possibilities.
“One of my favourite things about doing the master's at UQ is that I can apply economic and financial approaches to practical issues in the global economy and better understand the current challenges the world is experiencing.
“Throughout my career, I have managed challenging projects with successful results and high impact in my industry. But I decided I needed to obtain new skills to expand my view of the world, the energy industry and the economy as a whole.”
The benefits of studying an economics and finance degree at UQ
When asked why she chose to study at UQ, Diana points to the institution’s strong international and domestic reputation in higher education and its idyllic extracurricular benefits.
“Brisbane is such a vibrant city, and one that offers a high-quality lifestyle with a fantastic climate,” she says.
“As a campus, St Lucia is wonderful, providing many first-rate facilities for students.
“You appreciate those things, no matter what stage of your career you are at.
Key rankings consistently place UQ among the world and Australia's top universities. Learn more about our international ranking and reputation.
“I realised at a young age that my ambition of exploring the world would not be easy. Colombians don't have many opportunities to work abroad and succeed. However, higher education has given me the options in life I sought.
“Completing a master's at UQ is the next step in that evolution.”
The Master of International Economics and Finance is designed to equip students from any academic discipline with expertise in various economic models and concepts, financial markets, international trade and investment and consumer behaviour. Completing this advanced economics and finance degree will boost your career opportunities across public and private sectors.
Go further in your career by applying for the Master of International Economics and Finance.
