Great weather, good vibes, friendly people – there are lots of things to consider when choosing a destination for your international study adventure. But did you know the place you choose could also impact your future career?
At The University of Queensland (UQ), you don’t just get the benefit of studying at one of the world’s top 100 universities. We go above and beyond to make sure you get all the advantages you need to kick-start your future career.
To learn more, we spoke to international students Tzu-An Lin, who is studying a Master of Molecular Biology at UQ, and Imam Suryanto, who is completing a UQ Master of Strategic Communication.
A global reputation
Originally from Indonesia, Imam worked in Public Relations in the Indonesian Ministry of Trade before coming to Australia under an Australia Awards Scholarship.
“I chose UQ because of its strong reputation in communication studies and its practical approach to learning,” he shares.
“The course is also unique, combining communication for social change and strategic communication.”
Coming from Taiwan, Tzu-an says she was also drawn to the university’s reputation for excellence.
“I chose The University of Queensland for its strong research focus and supportive academic environment, especially in the life sciences,” she adds.
A practical, real-world education
Tzu-an has always been interested in how things like genes and disease work at a molecular level, and her studies at UQ allow her to explore those questions.
“What I enjoy most about my course is the opportunity to work hands-on in the lab and apply what I’ve learned in real research settings. It makes everything feel much more meaningful and practical.”
Imam says he also enjoys that his course gives him real-life experience and insights he can take into his future.
“It’s not just theory. We apply concepts such as strategic communication, crisis communication, communication campaigns, and social media strategy to real-world cases,” he says.
“We constantly connect what we learn in class with what’s happening in the real world, so it feels very dynamic and useful for my future career.”
Building a professional network
Networking is an essential skill for tomorrow’s professionals. At UQ, our opportunities and industry connections help you build a professional network while you study, giving you an important head start.
Tzu-an says she’s been able to build connections with researchers and peers from a range of backgrounds during her studies.
Imam agrees, sharing, “I’ve been able to connect with communication experts who are not only lecturers but also active researchers and practitioners in my field.”
But the opportunities don’t stop there.
“Beyond campus, I’ve also connected with Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA), which has provided valuable industry exposure, networking opportunities, and insights into professional practice in Australia,” he adds.
“Overall, these experiences and connections have significantly strengthened my career pathway both locally and internationally.”
Gaining experience for the future
Employers today want candidates who bring professional experience. At UQ, we build this into our programs through work integrated learning, as well as opportunities to get involved with our research teams.
“I’ve built strong relationships with my supervisors after being selected for prestigious research opportunities such as the Winter Research Program and Summer Research Program, where I worked on real projects and developed both academic and practical skills,” shares Imam.
“I’ve also been involved in the Student–Staff Partnership Program and a communication team research project, where I focused on making research more engaging and accessible.”
Tzu-an agrees, adding, “Studying in Brisbane has given me access to research opportunities and hands-on lab experience that are highly relevant to my future career.”
“That in itself has been a valuable experience in building discipline and technical skills.”
Career support
And, of course, UQ offers plenty of support to help students navigate employment, both during their studies and after graduation.
“Being at UQ gives access to strong networks and career support,” shares Imam.
Our dedicated Career Development team are there to help students with a range of employment support, including supporting them to:
- Plan their career journey
- Find and apply for jobs, internships and other work experiences
- Refine their resumes
- Prepare for interviews
- Connect with professionals through events and programs.
Ready for the future
Tzu-an says her goal is to continue working in biomedical research and potentially to pursue a PhD in the future.
“Studying here has helped me build both strong technical skills and a sustainable work-life balance, which I believe is essential for a long-term career in science,” she says.
Imam plans to return to Indonesia, using his new knowledge to improve how the government engages with the public.
“On top of that, I want to strengthen my community movement, Bright Up Indonesia, to help the young people (especially the underprivileged people) in Indonesia to elevate their digital literacy and communication skills,” he adds.
Both students say they definitely recommend Brisbane to other international students.
“Brisbane offers a great balance between quality education and lifestyle. It might not be as busy as other cities, but that’s exactly what makes it a great place to study and grow,” says Imam.
