Just give it a go: Brian’s story
Originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, Brian first moved to Brisbane to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. After graduation, Brian found himself in Melbourne exploring a new field.
However, his plan changed once again as COVID-19 hit. Brian decided to return home in Indonesia.
Being back home gave Brian an opportunity to reflect on his journey and choose his career pathway.
Motivated to build a progressive career, Brian decided to get back into studying to improve his skills.
Brian highlighted the scholarship program, cheaper tuition fees and a clear permanent residency pathway as top reasons for choosing Tasmania this time.
Learning in Tasmania
Brian packed his bags for Launceston to pursue his Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). For him, choosing Launceston was an easy decision thanks to the exclusive Work Ready Program offered by UTAS to MPA students in Launceston in 2022.
The program offered students a guaranteed internship in the final semester along with ongoing mentorship by professionals in the field throughout the degree.
“The internship with the Launceston City Council helped me get my first accounting job after graduation”, Brian says.
Looking back, Brian speaks highly of the personalised learning experience at UTAS. He found learning more meaningful with the small class size and the highly-experienced lecturers. Brian says it helped him have better discussions to easily apply theory into real-world scenarios.
“The teaching staff were very easy to contact to discuss any questions. They were very open and responsive”, he shares.
Life beyond university
In his spare time, Brian worked at a local cafe. He also actively engaged in many activities with the local communities such as the Indonesian Society, UTAS Tax Clinic and his local church.
These experiences helped him practice his communication skills with the locals and expand his network in a close-knit community like Launceston.
Shortly after completing his study, Brian landed a job as a graduate in a local accounting firm. This first step inspired him to stay in Tasmania to build a long-term career.
A fresh perspective on nature
Living in Tasmania didn’t just bring opportunities, it also shifted Brian’s perspectives.
Coming from a big city, Brian was not really a nature-lover. It all changed during road trips and outdoor activities in Tasmania.
“I have now explored all parts of Tasmania. To me, Tasmania’s landscape is better than other places I have been to in Australia”, Brian says. “Once you explore, it’s different, Tasmania is very nice”.
Today, Brian works as an Experienced Analyst at Deloitte in Hobart . Having lived in both major cities in Tasmania, Brian sees the unique beauty in each one. He values the strong community ties in Launceston and loves the vibrant energy of Hobart.
Top tips from Brian
Brian encourages all new international students to build networks, stay adaptable and genuine when forming connections and find new interests that Tasmania has to offer.
“You never know until you try!”, Brian rightly says.