Ivey Pham - Vietnam, 15 July, 2023
When you are 22 and about to graduate, you cannot help but reflect on your entire undergraduate era. This series is my story of stepping out of my comfort zone and embarking on an unforgettable adventure at QUT, a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today.
The Story Of Us: My Double Degree and Me
As a high school student, I had discovered my passion for writing and design through my involvement in the school's internal magazine. From there, my curiosity and desire to explore the world of media and business grew, leading me to pursue a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media).
One question that I am frequently asked is whether a double degree is more difficult than a single degree. The answer is a resounding no! While a double degree may take an extra year to complete, the amount of time and effort put in per semester is essentially the same as a single degree. Both start with core units before diving into the majors, but the difference is that for a double degree, the course structure is already planned out for you from beginning to end. This means you will study designated units and make no changes to the course structure.
What I love about my double degree is how these two fields complement each other so perfectly, giving me two lenses through which to view the world: marketing and communication. In marketing, I become a player in the game, bringing a subjective, business-oriented perspective to the table and creating actionable plans that can truly impact consumers and companies. It is a thrilling experience to be part of the chase for those precious eyeballs that are so critical in today's media landscape. But as a student of communication, I step back and analyse situations from an objective perspective, like a researcher or journalist. I gain an entirely different perspective, watching events unfold with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the underlying forces at play.
Enchanted: To Meet Teachers and... Deadlines
Some might call assessments the distress of every student's existence. But there's nothing quite like the feeling of finally hitting that "submit" button on the due date after weeks of hard work and grinding. As a student with a passion for design, I am drawn to units that incorporate this component, such as Multimedia Design or Integrated Marketing and Communication. Though these are the assessments that keep me up at night, the process of creation and the outcome often bring me immense joy and a sense of accomplishment.
As for my experience with the teaching teams, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable lecturers and tutors, with both research and industry backgrounds, who are passionate about their subjects. But the thing that stands out most to me is their approachability and willingness to help. In my first semester, after my very first lecture of a unit, I was confused about which tutorial I needed to attend. I approached my lecturer and was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth and friendly he was. Not only did he show me how to search for my class details, but he also asked for my name and helped me look for it on his computer. This immediately erased my perceived gap between teachers and students, and I was grateful for his kindness.
It's important to note that, depending on your course, you may have a mix of lectures, workshops and tutorials, with group work or discussion-based classes. Regardless of the format, being proactive and self-directed in your learning is crucial, as it is all about preparing you for a successful career by developing your skills and critical thinking abilities.
Call It What You Want: The University for the Real World
With my degree coming to an end, one of my favourite aspects about QUT is the strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections. QUT has forged partnerships with local businesses and organisations, giving students like me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and apply our skills in the real world. I've had the chance to work on projects for real clients, which has not only helped me build my portfolio but also given me a taste of what it's like to work in the industry. The co-curricular programs and initiatives offered by QUT have also been invaluable in enhancing my employability and networking skills. Attending workshops on resume writing and interview skills, as well as networking events, has allowed me to connect with successful professionals in my field and learn from their experiences.
The second thing that I love about studying at QUT is the level of flexibility provided to students. The university offers a variety of co-curricular programs, exchange opportunities, and course structures that allow students to tailor their university experience to their own interests and career goals. While I was unable to participate in the study abroad exchange program due to the pandemic, I believe that future students can benefit greatly from this opportunity to gain international experience, expand their horizons, and broaden their understanding of the world.
Everything Has Changed: From Day One to One Day
When I first embarked on my QUT journey, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. Like many new students, the campus size and sheer number of people around me felt overwhelming. But with each passing class, I became more at ease and confident in my abilities. When I look back now, I can see how much I have grown both personally and academically since that first day of classes. I have learned how to effectively manage my time, prioritise my workload, and seek help when I need it. Additionally, I have come to understand that making mistakes and experiencing failure is a natural part of the learning process and in fact, an opportunity to grow.
Of course, my journey hasn't been without challenges. I have learned that every student's experience at QUT is unique, and it is okay to go at your own pace. Feelings of not fitting in or experiencing imposter syndrome are normal, especially in such a diverse environment. However, I find comfort in the fact that the university values individual experiences and preferences over conforming to a certain standard. QUT is dedicated to helping each student grow and succeed in their own way, which has made my journey even more rewarding.
Looking back on my time at QUT, I feel grateful for every challenge and opportunity from day one. I am confident that the skills and experiences I've gained here will serve me well in my future endeavors, and eager to meet the version of myself that I will become one day.
