Maribel graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2019 where she studied a Master of Human Resource Management which she then combined with a Master of Business Administration.

With a passion for people and employee satisfaction and engagement, she knew after studying a Bachelor of International Business that she would go on to learn more about Human Resource Management and its relevance in the business environment. After completing her travels, she decided to pursue her master’s degrees overseas.

Originally from Colombia, she had to consider a number of factors when choosing a university in a different country and did a lot of research to consider her options.

“Because I come from a very energetic, cheerful and happy culture I think I was after some relaxing, quiet and calming place.

I think the geographic location was the main factor that made me choose the University of Newcastle. I also compared Newcastle to Sydney a lot, which made me realise how expensive accommodation and life in Sydney can be. Again, I am not a big city person so that was definitely the selling point for me.”

Maribel didn’t know too much about Australian culture before she started her degree, however became involved in multiple extracurricular activities at university.

“Having the opportunity to belong to the student society and clubs made me feel like I was part of something, and that people were also interested in the same things I was interested in. Even though I came from a place far away, there were still things I could relate to.”

One of Maribels favourite part about studying at the University was the opportunity to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Her degree allowed her to learn about cultural competences, which opened her mind and thought processes.

“Working in teams for different assessments and class activities with people from all around the world definitely helped me to be mindful and respectful of their ideas and culture, which is something I now keep in mind when working as a team member.”

Maribel Guzman `

Maribel Guzman

With a passion for people and employee satisfaction and engagement, Maribel knew after studying a Bachelor of International Business that she would go on to learn more about Human Resource Management.

Having the opportunity to belong to the student society and clubs made me feel like I was part of something, and that people were also interested in the same things I was interested in.

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