Knocking on the door to your career (Issue 11, 2011)
Shuang (Lydia) Liang began studying a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) at La Trobe University in 2010. Originally studying a Diploma of Hospitality at Chisholm Institute of TAFE, curiosity got the better of Lydia and she decided to try something different – Human Resources (HR).
Lydia has made many friends since moving from China, and she finds university life colourful and interesting.
‘Frankly speaking, I like Melbourne, it is easy going and quite multicultural. I feel very lucky – all my friends are nice and have a good attitude towards life,’ says Lydia of her experiences in Australia.
‘My friends have really helped me, not just with my study, but also with my life. Strangers in Melbourne have also helped make me feel at home here.’
Even though Lydia has experienced some challenging times as a new international student far away from home, she is constantly impressed by the beauty and knowledge Melbourne, and in particular, the Melbourne Museum, has to offer.
Lydia is also a proud member of Students In Free Enterprise La Trobe University (SIFE). SIFE is a volunteer-based organisation, founded on the principle that students should use the knowledge they gain at university to teach others. Lydia was a founding member of the SIFE LTU Melbourne team, which began in November 2010, and considers this a highlight of her time at La Trobe University.
‘SIFE LTU Melbourne is quite new, like a baby. We started it and put it on the right track, we are all willing to contribute and learn,’ says Lydia.
Lydia did not attend university in China, so studying in Australia was quite a change for her when she came here at the age of eighteen. She believes La Trobe University’s focus on group work and presentations will help her when working with culturally diverse teams. Her international qualification and experience also means she can work both nationally and internationally.
‘My Bachelor degree helps me knock at the door of my career. I can fully understand different cultures, which will be an advantage for me,’ says Lydia.