Saying Yes to Opportunity: Makenzie’s Journey Through Law and Business

Makenzie is turning her passion for business and law into real-world experience and career opportunity.

Makenzie is making the most of every opportunity that comes her way, both in and out of the classroom.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of Newcastle, and having completed her Bachelor of Business in 2025, she’s building a dynamic skillset that is already shaping her future career.

Studying full-time on campus at NUspace, Makenzie enjoys the vibrant city setting, especially “the higher floors as they have a scenic view of the city buildings and a glimpse of the ocean,” she shares.

When Makenzie isn’t studying, she loves dining out with my friends and trying new restaurants, as well as camping and travelling to new places.

Makenzie came straight to university from school, entering through Early Entry. As the first in her immediate family to attend university, she was driven by both personal ambition and strong support from those around her.

“The encouragement from my school and my family motivated me to pursue those interests,” she explains, after discovering a passion for business and legal studies in high school, where she excelled academically.

A standout moment in Makenzie’s journey has been her third-year business placement.

She describes it as “the most rewarding and impactful highlight of the program.”

The experience allowed her to apply theory in a real-world setting, helping her grow “academically, professionally and personally,” she shares.

It also led directly to a part-time role at an accounting firm, where she now works after being offered a position following her placement.

Makenzie credits her hands-on learning experiences with helping her feel ready for what comes next. “Practical experience through placements enhanced my learning and prepared me to transition from my studies into the professional workforce,” she says.

Like many students, she’s also had to navigate the challenge of balancing assignments and managing her workload.  Her approach is simple but effective: staying organised.

“I try to overcome this obstacle by organising my time in a calendar so I can plan assignment due dates and when to spend time on them.”

Looking ahead, Makenzie is keeping her options open. While she is interested in working in the legal industry, her experience has broadened her perspective.

“[The Bachelor of Business] has broadened my career goals and has made me become more open to trying new career options with whatever opportunities come along the way.”

For anyone thinking about studying, Makenzie shares this advice: “There will be many opportunities for growth at the University of Newcastle, and saying yes will get you far.”

Makenzie Brown

Makenzie is turning opportunity into real-world experience across business and law.

Practical experience through placements also enhanced my learning and prepared me for the professional workforce.