In search of education opportunities

After completing his Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Politics & International Relations and Geography in Sydney, Derrick set his sights on a master’s degree.

It was Canberra’s natural beauty, employment prospects and a scholarship offer from UC that helped him land in the national capital.

“After I graduated [from Sydney], I got offers from other top eight universities,” he says. “I finally chose UC because of the degree’s very practical curriculum, and the career opportunities are very optimal for me.

Studying at UC

Now that he is settled into university life in Canberra, Derrick enjoys the witty teaching style of his UC tutors.

“Some assignments are also fun for me,” he adds.

Always in search of expanding his education, Derrick accepted an internship with the UC Marketing department during his holidays.

As a business student, a marketing job wasn’t the most obvious choice, but for Derrick, it was a way to strengthen his skills and expand his knowledge.

“The internship was about marketing in Chinese media. I usually use these media apps, and the skills gained in the internship will also help me in my future business development. For example, I can utilise these skills in the future to pitch my business,” he says.

Through this internship, Derrick gained valuable insights into marketing and developed strong negotiation skills. Working for an Australian company also allowed him to develop hands-on office experience that he says could help him get a local job after graduation.

“I had the pleasure of working with a team of supportive and dedicated colleagues who guided me through my tasks and were always willing to help,” he adds.

Accelerating his master’s degree

From late 2024 to early 2025, Derrick had the opportunity to partake in a summer school program at Zhejiang University in China. This allowed him to accelerate his degree through the University of Canberra’s international partnership program.

Derrick spent a little under three weeks earning extra credits and engaging with students from around the world while taking in Hangzhou's cultural and historical sights.

“This opportunity allowed me to step into the prestigious academic environment of Zhejiang University and experience the advanced education model of Chinese universities,” he says.

“I earned credit for two courses and engaged in enriching extracurricular activities with international students from various universities worldwide.”

Life in Canberra

For Derrick, one of the best things about living in Canberra is the balance between city life and nature.

“The city has a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle with clean air, open spaces and beautiful natural surroundings. You can go from the city centre to a peaceful lake or a hiking trail in just a few minutes. The presence of wildlife, like cockatoos and kangaroos adds to the charm,” he adds.

“For those who feel overwhelmed by China’s dense urban environment, Canberra offers a refreshing alternative. The natural surroundings are beautiful, cockatoos are everywhere, and the pace of life is much slower.”

The future for Derrick

After moving away from his hometown, Derrick has had the opportunity to reflect on his life in China and compare it to the one he’s now living in Australia.

“There is more pressure to live in China. People are constantly pushed to stay busy and the employment situation is more challenging compared to Australia,” he says.

“In Australia, I have become more independent – my cooking skills have even surpassed my mum’s!”

After he graduates from UC by mid-2026, Derrick plans to stay in Canberra and work in his field. Eventually, he hopes to start his own company.

Want to learn more about studying at UC? Explore the wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses available at the University of Canberra today.