La Trobe makes a student's dream come true (Issue 7, 2012)
Le Vu comes from Vietnam where she received the prestigious Academic Excellence Scholarship to study towards a Master of Financial Analysis at La Trobe University. Her desire to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is coming to life thanks to the University’s practical, hands-on teaching and its setting in cosmopolitan Melbourne.
‘I was truly impressed by the La Trobe motto “Qui cherche trouve” [Whoever seeks shall find] and believed that La Trobe is where I will find my dream.’
Le knows she made the right choice in studying here. In fact, she highly appreciates that her course allows her to apply skills she learns in lectures and classes to real life scenarios, ensuring that she will be prepared to take on challenges in her future jobs.
‘The course has a practical aspect. We have done various financial analysis reports, just like in the stock market and even invested in the virtual stock exchange,’ says Le.
‘The curriculum is based on the industry-endorsed CFA Institute with a focus on financial analysis, security validation and portfolio management. It has helped me to become a CFA.’
Le found the course not only deepened her understanding of the financial world, but also strengthened her English language skills, time management and ability to work in a team.
‘I personally think that the most important thing people get from this course is professionalism and drive.’
La Trobe has a world-wide reputation for academic excellence and innovation and boasts highly-skilled academic staff who are passionate about imparting their knowledge to students.
‘I find all my lecturers are really influential as they transfer their passion to their students. They are also helpful whenever we have questions. As a result, I always have the impetus to make the best effort to study.’
At first, Le thought that it would be difficult for her to adjust to a new environment and culture in Australia but instead, she fell in love with Melbourne’s multicultural setting.
‘La Trobe is a diverse university with a lot of international students and there are various types of student services and organisations on campus. Not only is the University awesome, but the life here is awesome as well.’
In her spare time, Le enjoys exploring Melbourne on foot and being amongst the city’s friendly people who always seem ready to smile at one another.
‘Melbourne brings me the feeling of peace and happiness.’
In five years, Le knows she will have established herself as a CFA with the skills to work in the financial industry from what she learnt at La Trobe.
‘After finishing this course in June, I want to return to Vietnam and find a job as a financial analyst for a multinational co-operation. With the qualification obtained from La Trobe, I see myself as a professional financial analyst,’ says Le.
‘All La Trobe students are building and pursuing their dreams. I hope that more international students, especially Vietnamese students, will come to La Trobe in the future to experience an amazing life here. For me, La Trobe is just a dream!’
