A life-long dream

Having completed a bachelor’s in business administration and with more than five years of experience in marketing and communications, Yen was ready for a new challenge.

“I've always been fascinated by technology and innovation since I was young,” she explains. “Conversations with friends who transitioned into IT inspired me to explore this path, particularly the role of a business analyst.”

With an exciting new career path in her sights, she decided it was the perfect opportunity to pursue study abroad, a dream she’d had ever since she became aware of the wider world.

She says she was drawn to Australia because of the friendly people, as she has many close friends from here. When it was time to choose a university, she says UC’s dynamic and youthful energy made it particularly appealing.

“Among my top choices, UC stood out not only because I wanted to live in Canberra but also because the course structure perfectly aligned with my expectations,” she adds.

“The university provides clear and accessible information online, which saved me a lot of time during my application process. I was also impressed by UC’s strong graduate employment rate, as securing a job after graduation is my top priority.”

Life in Canberra

“There are many things I love about Canberra,” says Yen.

“The city is well-organised, the traffic is manageable, and the people are incredibly friendly.”

She adds that she loves how each season has its own charm.

“Spring brings beautiful blossoms, Autumn has a cosy, relaxing vibe, and Summer offers plenty of outdoor activities. I particularly enjoy visiting parks and lakes for walks, as being in nature feels like a gift.”

Plus, while it’s a lot different from home, the city’s vibrant Vietnamese community has made it easy for her to connect with others and find new friends.

“I’ve joined a badminton group where we play once or twice a week—it’s a great way to stay active and feel part of a community,” she says.

Plenty of support

Yen says there’s also lots of support and guidance available at UC to help international students find their feet.

“The Student Mentor Program was incredibly helpful during my first semester. I joined as a Mentee and was fortunate to have Minh, a fellow Vietnamese student in the same course, as my Mentor.”

With Minh’s guidance, Yen was able to quickly get to grips with her new environment. Now, she’s giving back by mentoring others.

She adds that the ASK (Academic Skills and Knowledge) Advisor team is a fantastic resource, especially for people from different educational backgrounds.

“Whether it’s assignments, referencing, or general student life, they are always available at the library during weekdays.”

But it’s not all about study!

“I also participate in social events and sports activities at UC, many of which are free for students.”

Yen says the UC’s support services make it easy for students to maintain their wellbeing and enjoy their academic journeys.

“With so many student services available, I’ve had a smooth transition into both the university and Canberra community.”

A perfect course

Now in her third semester, Yen says she loves that her course provides a solid foundational knowledge of IT, making it perfect for those new to the discipline.

“The program is well-structured, balancing fundamental knowledge with industry-specific skills,” she adds. She says the chance to specialise in a range of interest areas is another big plus.

UC also focuses on job-ready outcomes and preparing students to succeed in the workplace, which is why work-integrated learning is a key aspect of its science and technology degrees.

“The most valuable thing I’ve gained from this course is growing confidence—not just in my technical abilities but in my readiness to adapt to the global job market.”

Future in focus

“After graduation, I plan to apply for a Graduate visa to gain hands-on work experience in Australia,” Yen explains.

She says she’s working towards this by continuously improving her technical knowledge, communication skills, English proficiency, critical thinking, resilience and more.

“I love the peaceful environment and natural beauty of Canberra, so I will prioritise finding opportunities here.”

For other international students, she recommends making the most of the support available.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the student support services at UC. They can make your journey much smoother and more enriching!”