Implementing strategies to enhance international marketing

Caihan Fang, an international student from China known to her peers as ‘Hannah’, chose to further her studies with the combined Master of Business Administration/Master of Marketing program at the University of Newcastle. Her decision was influenced by two key factors: the university’s rankings and the lifestyle that Newcastle offers. “The University’s ranking played an important role in my decision about which university to choose. It’s very competitive in China, so the higher the ranking, the better.” she explained.

“Other reasons include the environment of Newcastle; It’s a quiet city with beautiful beaches and a vibrant surfing culture, making it a great place to live. Additionally, when comparing the cost of living to other major Australian cities, Newcastle was by far the more affordable and reasonable option.”

Currently working at Adapt Building, a Newcastle-based company, Hannah works across a multi-disciplinary role of operations and marketing, where she develops and implements operational strategies to help improve business efficiencies. Hannah plays an integral part in advising executives on marketing strategies and finding new ways to build the company’s brand awareness.

While studying, Hannah worked part-time at local cafes and as a marketing specialist at her local gym, where she trains regularly. She says, “The engagement with local communities helped me gain a better understanding of the Australian market. For my current job, I started as a part-time employee, and then transitioned to a full-time position not long after I had graduated.”

Receiving a scholarship allowed Hannah to thrive academically and removed any financial stress that can be caused when choosing to study abroad. Reflecting on her academic experience, she highlights the usefulness of on-site resources and tools. “I gained valuable practical experience, particularly with the Marketing Technology Lab, where I was able to work with real-world VR technologies.

“It provided me with insights into the market, valuable connections, and useful knowledge from the courses that I can apply in a real-world working environment.”

When it comes to pursuing further study and making the move to Newcastle, Hannah highly recommends the University of Newcastle. “I was pleasantly surprised by how much local employers in Newcastle value the University [of Newcastle]. The local community are incredibly welcoming and supportive of foreign students pursuing their degrees and adapting to a new life here.”

She adds, "It's a wonderful opportunity to create the life you want and pursue your passions at the same time. The university provided me with a chance to achieve a valuable degree. And, after two years living in this city, it feels more and more like a second home.”

Caihan (Hannah) Fang

Hannah, an international student from China, chose the University of Newcastle for its high rankings and appealing lifestyle, leading to a successful career in operations and marketing at a local company.

It’s a quiet city with beautiful beaches and a vibrant surfing culture, making it a great place to live. Additionally, when comparing the cost of living to other major Australian cities, Newcastle was by far the more affordable and reasonable option.