Choosing a degree: why did I study business?
Shermaine Saw, an international student from Singapore, shares what led her to study business at the University of Sydney as she completes her final year of the bachelor of commerce programme
Shermaine Saw
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Why did I choose to study abroad?
I chose to study in Australia because it was relatively close to my home in Singapore, which meant I was able to embrace a new culture while still feeling connected to my hometown. I was drawn to Australia’s dedication to sustainability and combating climate change, as well as its emphasis on work-life balance.
Sydney, in particular, captured my attention with its magnificent views of the harbour and its breathtaking beaches. The city’s reputation for offering world-class education, safety, a thriving business environment and good weather greatly influenced my choice to pursue my studies there. This led me to the University of Sydney.
What led me to study business abroad?
I was raised in an environment that actively supported my aspirations to pursue higher education overseas. I was inspired by my dad, whose academic journey in business and marketing inspired my own educational pursuits. Witnessing how he navigated challenges, such as the pandemic, in the business world motivated me to follow in his footsteps.
In my view, business studies is the core foundation of any career pathway. As consumers ourselves, we actively participate in this ecosystem on a regular basis, often without even realising it, through activities such as purchasing, selling and investing.
What is it like studying business at university?
The opportunities offered at the University of Sydney are endless. As well as marketing and international business degrees, business students can also take classes from other faculties such as accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, management, music and economics. This increases the flexibility of the degree and the skills that business students can learn.
In marketing classes, I have learnt more about consumer behaviour and the intricacies of marketing communications. Learning both marketing and business has helped me to develop skills that align with my long-terms goals of becoming an entrepreneur.
What can you do with a business and management degree?
What is the difference between an MBA and a specialised master’s in business?
Starting a business at university
What are the opportunities for work experience at The University of Sydney?
I had the opportunity to boost my resumé and gain work experience when I served my term as the publications director of the Singapore Student Society at the University of Sydney.
My role and duties were well aligned with my majors, particularly marketing. This position required me to operate social media platforms, increase audience engagement rates and help coordinate and organise events. I also developed my creative skills by curating and designing posts via Canva and taking photos at events.
I was also selected to represent the university in its US Industry Placement Programme, where I had the chance to live in New York for six weeks and serve as a social media marketing intern at New York Embroidery Studios. During this experience, I collaborated closely with brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Dion Lee and Brandon Maxwell, among others.
How do I plan to use my business degree after university?
My goal is to venture into entrepreneurship after I have graduated. I plan to combine my international business skills with my expertise in marketing to perhaps start my own advertising or PR agency.
I enjoy the intricacies of marketing and its ability to drive consumers’ perceptions and demands. It is interesting to understand its potential to manipulate and drive sales for a product or service.
This requires experience and networking ties that are gained through years of experience in the field. So, to familiarise myself with the marketing world and begin making these contacts, I aim to acquire a management trainee position in an MNC (multinational corporation) company when I graduate from university - it’s good to aim high and dream big.
My decision to study business was because of family inspiration and to help me mould my future career prospects. The adaptability and scope of my business degree, combined with the opportunities to gain hands-on experience during my studies at my university, will help me to cultivate networking connections and pave the way for my entrepreneurial aspirations in the long run.
