Having completed a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, Xiaofeng spent several years working in a media group after graduation.

It was there she noticed the increasing importance technology played in media reporting.

“Nowadays, many readers prefer to use their phones for news,” she explains. “Moreover, behind shifting data trends lie valuable industry insights.”

This realisation inspired her to study IT, not just to enhance her skills but also to broaden her career opportunities.

Having spent some time in Australia on exchange, Xiaofeng said it felt like a natural choice to return.

“The University of Canberra is a young university with a high graduate employment rate, which I found very appealing. Additionally, my program can accept students without an IT background, providing a valuable opportunity for students like me who want to transition into a new field,” she explains.

Life in Australia’s capital

“Studying and living in Canberra has been a completely different experience for me,” Xiaofeng explains. “It’s quiet, and the scenery is beautiful. The city is also well-equipped with convenient facilities.”

In particular, Xiaofeng says she appreciates the city’s cultural diversity and interesting events, like the Enlighten Festival, which illuminates the city every year from February to March.

“I volunteered at the Multicultural Festival, and I was so happy to see such a celebration of different cultures, where everyone respected each other and came together to celebrate,” she says

Outside of festivals, Xiaofeng enjoys getting out and about to enjoy Canberra’s peaceful vibe and stunning natural scenery.

“I enjoy hiking in the area or simply relaxing by the lake. The people in Canberra are also very friendly, and whenever I face challenges on the road, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. I really love this city and its residents.”

A warm welcome

Even though she’d studied in Australia before, Xiaofeng says arriving at the University of Canberra was a whole new experience. Luckily, UC was there to help.

“I joined the UC Student Mentor Program as a mentee, and my student mentor was very helpful,” she explains. “I was also matched with a mentor who speaks Chinese, which made the experience even more welcoming.”

Her mentor shared tips and insights on student life at UC, giving Xiaofeng the confidence she needed to complete her studies. Now that she’s in her final year, she’s giving back by participating as a student mentor.

She adds UC’s student wellbeing team has been particularly helpful.

“At the beginning of the semester, Student Wellbeing organised information sessions for international students. It covered important topics such as student visa requirements, university resources, emergency contacts, and police assistance.”

Finally, she says getting involved in orientation week and other UC activities has been a fun way to explore her new home.

“During O-Week, the bus tour allowed me to explore Canberra’s major attractions. Each semester, there are excursions, and I have joined trips to Tidbinbilla and Mulligans Flat, where I made new friends from China and other countries.”

Hands-on learning

Alongside its peaceful setting in the Australian Capital Territory and its reputation for excellence, Xiaofeng says UC’s focus on work-integrated learning was a huge part of the university’s appeal.

Their dedication to real industry experience means students benefit from a variety of exciting opportunities, including internships and work placements, all while building in-demand practical skills in the classroom.

“My course structure builds a strong IT foundation while allowing me to explore my interests,” says Xiaofeng.

Over the summer break, she completed an internship at Innovation Central Canberra with the Industry Capability Network project.

“Currently, I’m interning with UC’s IT Cyber team, working on website design, requirements gathering, and stakeholder communication to deliver user-focused digital solutions,” she adds.

“These internships count towards my WIL credits, allowing me to apply knowledge from uni to real-world scenarios while deepening my industry understanding and enhancing my skills.”

A bright future

When it comes to her future plans, Xiaofeng says her goal is to find a role where she can blend her media background with her new IT skills.

“After graduation, I hope to pursue an IT-related career in Canberra, but I am also open to opportunities in other cities.”

When it comes to advice for other international students, she recommends being open to embracing new opportunities.

“People here are friendly, so don’t hesitate to start a conversation – you never know, you might make lasting friendships.”

She adds that UC offers lots of support, guidance and resources to students, so don’t hold back!

“Take the leap, and you might just turn your dreams into reality!”