Student Highlights
Bridging international markets
Chinese international student Emma, who graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2017, is now kicking goals all over the world. Graduating with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Tourism Management, Emma was keen to continue exploring the globe and gaining real-world experience.
When Emma concluded her studies in Newcastle, she moved to London to study her Masters in Marketing, Communications and Advertising. She then moved back to her hometown of Shanghai to work as a Project Executive in a data-driven consultancy company, The Silk Initiative.
“I work in a team that help our clients identify, build and grow their food and beverage brands in China. We help our clients boost brand awareness and engagement with the Chinese consumer through various strategic and tactical methods of engagement,” says Emma.
During her time at the University of Newcastle, Emma undertook a Work Integrated Learning placement at a local marketing agency, Fresh Marketing. This experience not only helped Emma to build a strong understanding of marketing concepts and practices, but also helped in developing critical thinking skills to understand specific markets, and how to transfer that knowledge to real world scenarios.
“This internship gave me the opportunity to experience an Australian working environment and connect with local professionals. As an international student, such experiences really broadened my career horizons and helped me to explore my own potential.”
Real-world experience - Bachelor of Business student Emma at Fresh Marketing
In Emma’s current role at The Silk Initiative, the ability to self-manage is vital. This skillset was one of the main learning outcomes Emma achieved during her time at Fresh Marketing, where she learned how to manage projects independently. Since finishing her internship, she has stayed in touch with her supervisor via social media, and occasionally assists with research and analytics for some of their clients.
“Many businesses are keen to explore the Chinese market, but are struggling to find the right way to do so. This internship helped me to decide that I wanted to become a Chinese market specialist, who can connect businesses overseas with opportunities within the Chinese market.”
Emma’s current manager, Golden Huang, commends Emma on her ability to connect global markets. “We need a person like Emma who can bridge the west and the eastern world - her international background is very valuable for us,” he explains.
How Work Integrated Learning helped Emma in her career today
Whilst studying at the University of Newcastle, Emma was encouraged to apply the theories learnt in class to solve real world problems. “Students are given the opportunity to take on independent and collaborative research tasks, which builds problem solving and decision-making skills that you need in the business world,” she says.
“My time at the University of Newcastle helped me to develop my strong passion for marketing. Being exposed to an international study environment and being able to exchange ideas with students and lecturers from all over world, really helped to open my mind.”
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Emma Wu
Taking part in a Work Integrated Learning placement during her study at the University of Newcastle helped Emma build the skills needed in her career today.
My time at the University of Newcastle helped me to develop my strong passion for marketing. Being exposed to an international study environment and being able to exchange ideas with students and lecturers from all over world, really helped to open my mind.
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