16 April, 2025
Imagine studying at a top business school in Paris, exploring Europe while earning a second degree in Vienna, or building lifelong connections at an international university. For QUT students Yasmin Craggs, Gulbagh Bains and Bailey McCahon, these dreams became reality through the Bachelor of Business – International. This program goes beyond theory, offering immersive cultural experiences, global career opportunities and the chance to truly transform your perspective. Explore their inspiring journeys and how this program has set them up for success in the global business world.
Yasmin’s transformative journey
For marketing major, Yasmin Craggs, the opportunity to study overseas wasn’t just a dream — it was what piqued her interest in the Bachelor of Business – International at QUT. Then, when she discovered she could also use the program to earn a second degree, she was sold. “From the moment I learned about the program’s unique structure,” she said, “I knew it was the perfect fit for me.” The prospect of earning a second degree while immersing herself in a new culture was too good to pass up.
Yasmin’s exchange took her to IESEG School of Management in Lille, France. She chose Lille for its vibrant yet affordable lifestyle and its close-knit campus environment, which allowed her to live just 15 minutes from her classes. Being able to immerse herself in the culture and improve her language skills, by living in a French-speaking environment, was really important to her.
Through the second degree partnership QUT has with IESEG, Yasmin was able to earn a second degree, a Bachelor of Business Administration, during her exchange year. Her coursework was expansive, coveri
ng finance, marketing, econometrics and design thinking, culminating in a capstone project where she pitched a business idea to a live panel. Yasmin thrived in the collaborative and multicultural setting, “collaborating with students from all over the world gave me a truly global perspective,” she explained, “the friendships and networks I’ve built will be just as valuable as the knowledge I gained in the classroom.”
Beyond the classroom, Yasmin embraced every opportunity to connect with her peers. She joined two student clubs, including a cooking club, which helped her build relationships and integrate into French university life. On weekends, she travelled extensively across Europe, visiting London, Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain. These adventures, along with the lifelong friendships she made, were some of her most cherished memories.
Reflecting on her journey, Yasmin credits the program with setting her apart in the graduate market. “The dual qualification has already enhanced my career prospects, helping me secure internships in London and Brisbane, as well as a graduate position in Melbourne,” she shared. “This program has equipped me with the global mindset and skills I need to succeed in international business.”
Expanding horizons with Gulbagh
For Gulbagh Bains, the Bachelor of Business – International was about more than earning a degree — it was an opportunity to push boundaries, explore new cultures and gain an edge in his career. “The international experience and the chance to earn a second degree from an overseas university will give me a strong advantage as I start my career,” he said.
Gulbagh’s international year took him to WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), located in the heart of Europe. The vibrant, multicultural city of Vienna became his home for a year, offering not only a world-class education but also endless travel opportunities. “I got to visit Germany, France, Italy and the UK while studying in Vienna,” he shared, “it gave me a newfound appreciation for the diversity of the world we live in.”
At WU, Gulbagh completed a second degree, a valuable credential that complements his Australian qualification, particularly as an international business major. In his studies at WU, he participated in university-led consulting projects with prominent European companies such as Audi Business Innovation, and connected with professors and peers in the European start-up sector. These experiences deepened his understanding of the European business landscape, from start-ups to corporate giants, and equipped him to manage relationships with international stakeholders.
Reflecting on the challenges of living in a new culture, Gulbagh admits he was initially nervous. However, Vienna’s welcoming atmosphere and his willingness to adapt helped him thrive. “The cultural differences were a learning curve, but they taught me so much about communication and collaboration,” he said.
Today, Gulbagh is eager to leverage his international experience in his career. “This program has given me a huge advantage as I step into the workforce,” he said. “Graduating with two degrees from two notable business schools — one in Australia and one in Europe — sets me apart and opens doors for exciting global opportunities.”
Building a global future with Bailey
For Bailey McCahon, the Bachelor of Business – International was the perfect way to combine his passion for business with his desire to experience life overseas. “I knew going into university that I wanted to study business and also have an overseas experience,” he said. “Finding a program that could incorporate both was a no-brainer.”
Bailey’s exchange took him to IESEG School of Management’s Paris campus, where he pursued a second degree while refining his French language skills. “My exchange taught me the importance of adapting business approaches to different people and cultures. As a finance major, I discovered that while the foundational principles of finance and business remain consistent across cultures, their application varies depending on who you are working with,” Bailey shared
Having spent time in France before, he was able to leverage his existing connections to make the most of his experience. “Living in Paris gave me a deeper understanding of the culture and allowed me to build a global network of peers and mentors,” Bailey explained, “the second-degree program attracted students and staff from around the world, and some of my closest connections were with fellow exchange students. These relationships have become lifelong friendships and valuable professional links.”
Beyond the academic and personal growth, Bailey cherishes the memories he made during his exchange. “There were so many amazing moments from my international exchange experience,” Bailey shared, “Paris provided opportunities to have experiences I couldn’t have had elsewhere—like snowball fights with my friends in the courtyard of Versailles or attending shows at Paris Fashion Week.”
Bailey is now looking ahead to a career in global markets, with plans to return to France to work and complete a master’s degree. “The dual qualification highlights my ability to work with multicultural teams, navigate ambiguity and thrive in dynamic environments—qualities valued by Australian employers— while IÉSEG’s strong reputation in France enhances my appeal to French employers,” Bailey explained,
“The Bachelor of Business – International has prepared me for a global career by combining a strong business foundation with invaluable international experience,” he said.
The power of global perspective
Yasmin, Gulbagh and Bailey have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience in pursuing a Bachelor of Business – International at QUT. It’s a program that goes beyond theory to deliver transformative personal and professional experiences. By combining world-class education with cultural immersion, international networking and the opportunity to earn a second degree, this program empowers students to succeed in a globalised world.
Whether it’s navigating the complexities of European business practices, building cross-cultural connections, or gaining the confidence to step into international markets, the program prepares graduates to thrive on the global stage. As Yasmin put it, “This program has equipped me with a global mindset and skills I need to succeed in international business.”
If you’re ready to explore the world, develop your global business skills and unlock exciting career opportunities, it’s time to consider QUT’s Bachelor of Business – International. Discover how this program can shape your future today.