Learning, leading, and connecting

Blending business insight with a genuine passion for people, Sukontha is forging a career built on connection and purpose.

For Sukontha Thongkao, people have always come first. Her interest in relationships, teamwork, and communication naturally led her towards studying business, with a particular focus on human resources (HR).

“I praise myself as a people person, therefore; I was drawn to the Bachelor of Business and pursuing human resources (HR),” she says.

Growing up, she was influenced by her father’s work as an operations manager, which sparked her appreciation for the practical side of business. She quickly realised her strengths sit firmly in understanding people.

Encouragement from high school teachers helped set her on the path to university.

“I was inspired by my high school teachers, specifically my mentor (PDHPE teacher) who encouraged me to apply. I originally wanted to be a PDHPE teacher. However, I was drawn into how businesses operate with all their key functions in year 12.”

As the first person in her family to attend university, she remembers the excitement and nerves.

“My parents were as nervous as I was for me to start.”

Through her Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources (HR) and Marketing degree, Sukontha has come to value what great leadership truly means.

“I feel very inspired by [my] course coordinators. Their compassion for students' learning and passion for their courses inspired me to keep pursuing a career in HR,” she notes.

The University’s strong industry connections helped her secure a six-week career-ready placement atLake Macquarie City Council, an experience that brought her studies to life.

“I was closely mentored by my supervisor Penny, who allowed me to translate my academic knowledge into a professional setting to effectively communicate my ideas. Networking with other HR professionals was a key highlight for me because I could gauge what HR is like day-to-day,” she explains.

Like all University of Newcastle undergraduate students, Sukontha had the opportunity to take part in a career-ready placement as part of her degree. For Bachelor of Business students, this includes 140 hours of supervised industry experience, giving them the chance to build confidence, apply their skills, and start forming meaningful professional connections.

For Sukontha, the experience offered a real-world look at HR in action and strengthened her confidence in her career direction.

Back on campus, that same sense of connection continues through her coursework. Collaborative class projects have been a standout part of her experience, giving her the chance to apply her skills alongside her peers.

“HRER2001 (Managing Talent) was a great class and a favourite group project I have completed. We made a training presentation on ‘How to manage virtual teams.’ Our group excelled as we created an engaging and innovative presentation together,” she shares.

Those shared experiences have also led to meaningful friendships.

“The people I have met through my classes make me feel like they will be my life-long friends. I have found a community where I feel like I belong and can express myself truthfully.”

Outside of study, Sukontha loves keeping active with athletics training, going to the gym with her best friend, and baking her favourite choc-chip cookies. She also enjoys studying in NUspace.

“I love the NUspace study room on levels 6 and 5 because it has a stunning view while I study. When I need a break, I just observe the city and ocean view—it allows me to think clearly as I do my assessments.”

Looking ahead, Sukontha is focused on creating workplaces that put people first.

“My career goal is to become a HR professional. I want to first explore the different functions of HR, including starting in HR administration, then talent acquisition. My ultimate end-goal is to be part of an engaging workforce that prioritises their people and workplace culture.”

Her advice for future students is simple and reassuring.

“Put yourself out there and be yourself. You will find your crowd of people who value you for being you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—you can only do what you can and have fun, time flies!”

The people I have met through my classes make me feel like they will be my life-long friends. I have found a community where I feel like I belong and can express myself truthfully.