Accounting in the South Pacific (Issue 22,2011)
Julia Whippy is currently studying a Master of Accounting and Financial Management at La Trobe. She is originally from Vanuatu and commenced her course here in Australia this year.
Julia enjoys working with data, including analysing and interpreting meaning from the facts. After 10 years working in her industry, she found adjusting back to a university lifestyle a little challenging, but this quickly passed.
‘I was able to meet new friends, share experiences and also familiarise myself with the campus, transport system, communication and adjusting to my new environment in Melbourne,’ says Julia.
Julia loves her time in Melbourne, and enjoys the culturally diverse atmosphere of La Trobe University. Melbourne’s famous rapid weather changes have been no deterrent for her enjoying her time here.
‘Being in Melbourne is an enjoyable experience. Meeting people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, adapting to the four-seasons-in-one-day weather, catching different modes of transport (which includes being able to read a map well) leisure walks through the parks, adjusting to student life and browsing through the shopping malls is quite a contrast to living in Vanuatu.’
Julia believes that La Trobe has helped her develop as a professional.
‘Highlights of my time at La Trobe would include interaction with people of different ethnicities, developing team work skills, strengthening my leadership skills, ease of communication with lecturers and tutors and being able to share ideas with others.
‘La Trobe has allowed me to improve my skills in time management, communication, networking, team work and leadership, which are valuable skills for securing work and also in my own personal development. Studying here has given me a broader knowledge of accounting standards, various concepts used, and helped me to understand accounting legal components. I have been able to think critically and improve my analytical skills, all of which have enhanced my knowledge as an individual,’ says Julia.
If you are interested in finding out how La Trobe University can help you develop as a professional, visit latrobe.edu.au/international.