From Campus to Career: Lessons and Insights for a Bright Future
Hi everyone, I am Isha, an international student from India who came to Melbourne to pursue the Bachelor of Information Technology. I arrived in this vibrant city with dreams of building a successful career, but the journey was far from easy. Like many international students, I had to navigate cultural differences, academic challenges, and the uncertainty of securing a job in a competitive market. However, through perseverance, strategic networking, and stepping out of my comfort zone, I achieved something many international students aspire to—I landed a job before graduation.
✈️ A Leap of Faith
It was a crisp morning when I boarded my first flight to Melbourne, leaving behind my home in India. The world was still recovering from the pandemic, and I was stepping into the unknown with nothing but a dream to earn my degree and explore new opportunities. Little did I know that this journey would transform my life in unimaginable ways.
As an international student in a bustling city, everything felt new and exciting, yet overwhelming. Back home, I had excelled in science, but technology had never been my calling. It was during the lockdown that I began to see how powerful and transformative technology could be. Curious and eager to contribute, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology at Federation University.
My academic journey wasn’t without challenges, but the unwavering support of my professors made all the difference. They didn’t just teach—they mentored and inspired me. I also embraced every opportunity to grow, from engaging deeply in coursework to becoming a Student Ambassador, a role that taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and communication.
🏆 The Breakthrough Moment
In my final year, I came across the Cooperative Learning Model offered by Federation University. After clearing the interview round, I was selected for the program. It gave me hands-on industry experience and helped me secure a job offer before graduation—an accomplishment I consider a milestone, especially as an international student in Melbourne. For me, it felt like hitting the right ball at the right time—seizing an opportunity that aligned perfectly with my hard work and determination.
🏅 What Worked for Me
Reflecting on my journey, here are the strategies that made all the difference:
Networking and Mentorship: Building relationships with professors, peers, and industry professionals helped me gain insights and career opportunities.
Leveraging Resources: I made full use of the university’s career services, workshops, and events to stay prepared for the job market.
Soft Skills Development: Communication, adaptability, and teamwork were as important as technical knowledge.
Resilience: Rejections were learning experiences, and persistence opened doors to opportunities.
🎓 Advice for International Students
Explore Beyond Studies: Pursue passions alongside academics to keep your creativity alive.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors or peers—they can guide you.
Embrace Challenges: Growth happens outside your comfort zone, so take risks and learn from mistakes.
🌅 Grateful and Looking Ahead
Today, I’m proud to work in a role I love, with a team that inspires me. My advice to fellow students is simple: seize every opportunity, stay curious, and never stop learning. Your journey may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Take that leap of faith, and you’ll achieve more than you ever imagined.