By Manya Sharma - India, 12 February, 2026
Why I choose QUT
I chose to study a Bachelor of Business because of QUT’s business school's triple accreditation, which really stood out to me when I was exploring my options. After reviewing the course outline, I was impressed by how practical and hands-on the degree is, which is something I’ve always preferred over purely theoretical learning. I also enjoyed studying accounting and finance-related subjects in high school, so this course felt like the perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding and build a strong foundation for my future career.
As an international student, I was drawn to how supportive and welcoming QUT is, with plenty of resources and events that help you feel included and connected. The vibrant campus environment and sense of community have made my experience truly memorable, and looking back, choosing QUT has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Building new skills and confidence
I’ve had quite a few units that stood out to me throughout my degree. One of my favourites was data analytics, which I chose as an elective because I wanted to strengthen my excel skills. By the end of the semester, I had become confident and proficient in using excel, which was something that’s helped me throughout my studies and beyond. Another unit I really enjoyed was taxation. It was taught with such passion and supported by clear, practical notes that I kept referring to until the end of my degree. That unit truly inspired me to pursue a career in tax.
Lastly, my capstone units were some of the most valuable experiences. Although three capstones initially sounded challenging, each one helped me grow in a unique way. The finance capstone improved my presentation and communication skills, the accounting capstone made me feel like a real accountant as I prepared a full financial report for a company, and the business capstone allowed me to step into the role of a consultant to solve real business challenges. Overall, my units not only deepened my knowledge but also helped me develop skills I didn’t have before, from technical abilities to teamwork, confidence, and creativity.
Where personal growth meets real-world learning
For me, ‘real-world’ learning meant more than just being prepared for a job after graduation, it was about growing as a person. My course didn’t just teach me technical skills; it helped me develop my mindset, confidence, and professionalism during what I believe are the most influential years of one’s career. Regularly learning from professors who were incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished in their fields inspired me to aim higher and make the most of every opportunity and resource available at QUT.
Testing my skills through internship
I completed an internship at PwC as an Audit and Assurance Intern over the summer university break for about six weeks. It was an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to work as an auditor and see how the profession operates on a day-to-day basis. While I didn’t work on specific projects, observing the audit process up close helped me better understand the business environment and later made my audit and assurance unit in my final year much more meaningful and practical.
New learnings = confidence
Something that pleasantly surprised me about my course was realising how much easier university becomes over time. Each semester builds on the knowledge from the previous ones, and before you know it, things that once felt intimidating, like writing reports or referencing correctly, become second nature. In my first semester, I struggled with report writing and citations, but by the end of my degree, I could do them with confidence.
Another thing that really surprised me was how much my presentation skills improved. I used to get so nervous that I would memorise my script three days in advance, but by the end of my degree, presenting became much easier and more natural. Having done presentations almost every semester, I grew confident, relaxed, and smooth, knowing that thorough research and understanding of my topic would carry me through.
Finally, reaching out to professors and tutors is so valuable. They might seem intimidating at first, but almost every lecturer I’ve had has been incredibly supportive. That one email or question can make a big difference in understanding your degree and building confidence throughout your studies.
Scholarship support
I was fortunate to receive the International Merit Scholarship, which reduced my tuition fees by almost 25%. It was a huge financial help and gave me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on making the most of my studies and university experience.
Forming new friendships through QUT events and clubs
I found that joining clubs and societies and attending networking events were the best ways to meet people on campus. In my first year, I made an effort to go to networking events whenever I could, not only to learn about the job market but also to meet like-minded students. Social events like game nights hosted by various clubs were also a fun way to connect with others.
Being actively involved in student life made a huge difference. I was part of the Business and Management Student Association (BAMSA) for almost a year, which allowed me to meet so many new people. Later, as the International Officer at QUT Guild, I met even more students and really enjoyed hearing their stories. Orientation was always my favourite time of the year because I got to welcome new students, talk to them, and share the support available at QUT.
I also took part in the QUT 180 Degrees Consulting club in my second year. I initially joined because I wanted to understand what consultants actually do, which is something I often heard about during networking events. As a Junior Consultant, I worked with a team to help a non-profit organisation address a real issue, which broadened my perspective on different career paths and taught me valuable problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Outside of student clubs, I enjoyed attending boxing classes at the QUT gym, which were super engaging and made staying active fun. I also occasionally used. Being able to balance academic life with these activities made my experience at QUT even more enjoyable.
Studying in Brisbane
I chose to study in Brisbane because it’s a vibrant, bustling city similar to my home city, which made me feel like I wouldn’t get too homesick. One of my favourite spots in Brisbane is Kangaroo Point. It’s such a beautiful place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or simply unwind after a busy day. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and it’s always been a peaceful and refreshing escape from my studies.
QUT, a home away from home
I would definitely recommend QUT to others because of all the experiences and memories I’ve made at this wonderful university. I’ve spent so much time on campus, and it truly feels like a second home. QUT offers an amazing environment that supports a healthy balance between study, work, and social life, making it a place where you can grow both academically and personally.
