Denis Xavier first discovered The University of Newcastle through international education organisation, IDP Education.

It was on their list of recommended universities to apply to, so Denis did just that, and embarked on a Master of Engineering Management.

“My degree focused on developing managerial skills in an engineering field.

“My passion is to help develop more efficient methods of manufacturing in the real world, which requires not only technical skills but also managerial know-how,” he said.

After completing his Master of Engineering Management in 2019, Denis went on to further study, completing a Master of Business Administration in 2020.

“A core element of both the degrees I completed is management, a key requirement for success in any field.

“I’m constantly involved in so many activities, like scheduling, assigning workload to employees or contractors, and generally having an achievable plan of action daily, and these are all qualities taught and honed through the degrees I’ve done.

“Additionally, concepts such as human resources, organisation behaviour design, entrepreneurship, and innovation, have helped me think outside the box to maximize the potential of any business I venture into,” Denis said.

When Denis began postgraduate study, he hoped to start his own manufacturing business establishment in his home country, India.

“The dream of starting my own manufacturing business certainly still exists but is kept on the side for a little bit, while I learn more about the industry,” he said.

Rather than rushing into the manufacturing industry, Denis currently owns and runs his own wholesale distribution company, trading mainly in coconut oil that is manufactured by his cousin.

“I decided to work with my cousin who already is a manufacturer, so that I could learn about the manufacturing processes and the activities involved in it, whilst helping improve and expand the business.

“About 16 months ago, I also entered into a partnership with a friend who runs his own event management company, purely due to my interest in the field,” Denis said.

In the next six months, Denis will also be venturing into the construction field, with two upcoming projects including an apartment building and small-scale hotel.

Denis is glad to have completed postgraduate study at the University of Newcastle.

“In the highly competitive world of today, people need an edge over others to succeed and grow.

“Postgraduate study provides you with the required expertise and proficiency that will give you an edge over rest of the competition as well as help you think outside the box for better methodologies,” Denis said.

Looking back on his experience, living on campus at Callaghan was a highlight of Denis’s study experience.

“I lived at Edwards Hall - the largest college on campus. Living there allowed me to be a part of a lot of social activities and make many good friends,” he said.

Denis also joined a number of clubs and societies when he started at the university.

“I was a part of the Indian Students’ Association of Newcastle University (ISANU).

“I really enjoyed my time here as I was able to be a part of multiple events and meet a lot of new people from the community as a member of the club,” Denis said.

Denis was also a volunteer mentor for the Newcastle University Postgraduate Students’ Association (NUPSA).

“The University of Newcastle campus life, its activities, and collegiate life, allowed me to gain a lot of Australian and international friends that I still keep in touch with even after leaving the country two years ago,” he said.

For international students considering studying at the University of Newcastle, Denis provided the following advice: “Try to be on campus as often as you can”.

“There is always an event going on that will keep you entertained and engaged,” he said.

And secondly, Denis advises to make the most of the sea change.

“Studying is important but so is enjoying your downtime.

“Keep enough time aside to explore the city,” Denis said.

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Denis Xavier

Denis came to Newcastle from India to pursue a Master of Engineering Management (2019) and a Master of Business Administration (2020).

Postgraduate study provides you with the required expertise and proficiency that will give you an edge over rest of the competition as well as help you think outside the box.