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Master of Business student, Sahil Shajahan

What's it like to study the UQ Master of Commerce?

Uni life
Published 8 Apr, 2022  ·  7-minute read

There’s so much more to a UQ commerce degree than spreadsheets and numbers, according to our Master of Commerce students and graduates.

International student Sahil Shajahan and graduate Vidushee Costa share what it’s like to study the UQ commerce degree, how it’s preparing them for career success, and their advice for others considering the degree.

Why did you choose to study the UQ Master of Commerce?

Vidushee: After completing my bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and working for 2 years in the financial planning field, I decided it was the right time to enhance my knowledge in an area I was passionate about. There’s always something new to learn.

After exploring my options, UQ stood out because of its outstanding reputation, practical, industry-relevant curriculum and strong support for students. The support available at my previous university was very different from what I experienced during my bachelor's program.

Sahil: I chose to study the UQ Master of Commerce because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and its alignment with my career aspirations. UQ is renowned globally for its high-quality education and strong industry connections.

The program’s flexible structure has allowed me to specialise in areas like information systems and finance, which perfectly matches my interests and career goals. Additionally, UQ's focus on practical, real-life applications, supported by case studies and industry insights, is invaluable for developing a competitive edge in the job market.

How did you prepare for your postgraduate commerce studies?

Vidushee: I left Sri Lanka and moved to Australia to complete my UQ commerce degree, which wasn’t easy. If you’re considering doing the same, know that the start of the journey is normally an uphill climb. But once you get into the groove of things, you’ll start enjoying the view.

Sahil: I prepared for my postgraduate commerce studies by building a solid foundation in relevant subjects during my undergraduate studies and gaining practical experience in the field. I took courses in financial valuation, analytical skills and accounting principles, which gave me a strong understanding of key concepts I knew would be essential for advanced study.

I sought out opportunities to apply this knowledge in real-life settings, such as my internship at a micro venture capital business in India. This allowed me to gain practical skills like financial analysis, analytical modelling and proactive communication. I also prepared by researching the program’s structure and core subjects to identify where I might need more focus.

Lastly, I stayed informed about industry trends and current events in commerce to ensure I started the program with a clear understanding of how theory connects to today’s business world.

What’s your study load like as a postgraduate commerce student?

Vidushee: I went from working full time to studying full time (4 courses each semester over 2 years) and working part time in financial planning. Coming up with a routine that prioritised the goals I wanted to achieve helped me get through this phase in my life.

Sahil: The study load is challenging but manageable. It's about finding the right balance between coursework, research and practical applications.

UQ Master of Commerce student Sahil, with friends

What’s it like to study a master's degree in commerce compared to an undergraduate degree?

Vidushee: The experience between degrees was very different for me because I didn’t have any assignments during my undergraduate degree. There was only one final exam, which was pass or fail, so that was very stressful. Having assignments and mid-semester exams that contributed to my final grade during the master’s degree helped me manage my workload effectively and use different study styles.

Sahil: Studying the UQ Master of Commerce has felt more specialised and focused compared to an undergraduate degree. In my undergraduate degree, I was learning vast amounts of information but not going deep into subjects to learn the crux. However, the master’s program has given me the opportunity to dive deeper into advanced concepts, emphasise critical thinking and tackle real-world applications and industry engagement. While the workload is more intense, it has been highly rewarding and has allowed me to build extensive knowledge in the field.

What did you like most about the UQ Master of Commerce?

Vidushee: I enjoyed the engagement each lecturer promoted during classes. We were always encouraged to take part in class discussions and work through the topics at hand. In Business Information Systems Analysis and Design (BISM7255), we were tasked with designing a vending machine app, which I found both challenging and interesting. Coming from a finance background and being able to say I’ve created an app was very appealing.

Sahil: I thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on, practical experiences that brought commerce concepts to life. One of the highlights was participating in a live trading game during my finance course, where I had to strategically allocate funds in a simulated portfolio. This experience allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to a dynamic, real-time environment, sharpening my decision-making and analytical skills. The program's focus on bridging theory with practice, through activities like this, made learning exciting and deeply rewarding.

Which courses and teachers helped you the most?

Vidushee: Dr Micheal Axelsen, Shahrzad Gohar and Associate Professor Christoph Breidbach were especially helpful, and I enjoyed their courses as well:

  • Business Process Improvement
  • Business Information Systems Capstone
  • Information Systems Governance and Assurance.

Sahil: Courses such as Portfolio Management, Financial Risk Management and Data Analytics have been incredibly invaluable, and professors like Dr Michael Axelsen, Dr Avijit Sengupta and Dr Khoa Hoang have provided guidance and insights that have enriched my academic journey.

What do you want to achieve by completing the UQ Master of Commerce?

Sahil: By completing the UQ Master of Commerce, I aim to gain advanced knowledge and specialised skills in finance that would allow me to propel my career into investment banking, private equity or venture capital. I want to enhance my analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex business challenges and position myself as a competitive candidate in the global job market. Ultimately, I hope to leverage this qualification to advance my career, contribute meaningfully to the industry, and make a positive impact in my field.

Vidushee Costa

I currently work in the financial planning field. Subjects like portfolio management and financial institutions and markets helped me a lot with my work.

Vidushee Costa
Master of Commerce

What opportunities to develop practical experience have you had?

Vidushee: When you study at UQ, you’ll develop practical experience through assignments, clubs and societies relating to your field of study and networking opportunities. There’s also UQ Ventures, which gives you the ability to explore your entrepreneurial side. It’s about finding out what’s out there, using the resources you have at your disposal, and learning what works for you.

Sahil: I've had the opportunity to engage in live projects and case studies, which have provided me with hands-on experience and connected me with industry professionals.

Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities at UQ?

Vidushee: I was an active volunteer at UQ Life events, a UQ Get Set Mentor and part of the Master of Commerce Student Program Committee.

Sahil: As the President of the Master of Commerce Student Program Committee, I had the privilege of organising a range of initiatives designed to enhance the student experience, from academic workshops to social networking events. One of the highlights of my time at UQ was participating in the Business Revue, a theatre play organised by The University of Queensland Business Association (UQBA), which won the award for Best Event of the Year in 2024.

Additionally, I was an active member of both the UQ Business School Postgraduate Association (UQBSPA) and UQBA. These roles allowed me to engage in diverse activities, from professional networking to creative collaborations. UQ offers an incredible variety of extracurricular opportunities, enabling students to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and make meaningful contributions to the vibrant campus community.

What advice would you give to others considering this UQ commerce degree?

Vidushee: Immerse yourself in everything UQ has to offer. Especially as an international student, being on campus, making new friends and having new experiences really helps take your mind off being away from home.

Sahil: For anyone considering the UQ Master of Commerce, I would say that it's an excellent ecosystem for any student in which they can grow in all fields including accounting, finance and information systems. The environment of the campus is extremely supportive and encouraging, providing plenty of opportunities for networking with industry leaders.

What UQ commerce degrees are available?

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