It isn't always easy for international students to move from home and start life in a new country, culture, and make new friends. At UC, we've had thousands of international students walk through our doors for an experience that will last a lifetime. Sumaiya Lodi is one such student, originally from Bangladesh, who went on to create a successful career as an accountant and financial analyst.

"Being an international student, UC taught me how to adapt to different situations, cultures and environment," Sumaiya says. "I lived at the International House for two years and made friends who are more like family to me now."

Graduating with her Bachelor of Commerce in 2009, Sumaiya was greatly invested in accounting, quickly going on to become an Australian Certified Practicing Accountant. Using the career transition opportunities offered by UC, Sumaiya was hired as a manager with UC's Finance Services department. Later, Sumaiya joined Anglicare, a community service and charitable association. As the Senior Manager of Anglicare's Financial Services, Sumaiya put her UC skills to the test by assisting the CFO with creating annual budgets, supervising day-to-day operations, and training staff members.

After eight years in Canberra, Sumaiya moved back to Bangladesh and is currently working as Assistant General Manager of Finance for the Rangs Group, the country's leading automobile company.

Even though she isn't in Canberra anymore, Sumaiya is still an active member of UC's alumni community "It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Alumni Representative Program as this keeps me in touch with UC, an institution very close to my heart."

Sumaiya was appointed as a UC Alumni Representative for the Bangladesh region in 2014.