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How Yixi discovered her confidence and dream career at ANU

 
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When Yixi Yu reflects on her time at the Australian National University (ANU), she describes it as the moment everything clicked.

Her postgraduate degree gave her the technical knowledge, career clarity and confidence that continue to shape her professional life today.


A degree that fits

The course structures offered the best of both worlds: a chance to sharpen technical skills while gaining a broader understanding of business strategy.

Assignments weren’t just about grades; they showed her how studies could translate directly into career opportunities and long-term goals.

Lessons beyond the classroom

Some of the most valuable lessons came outside traditional coursework. Group projects, for instance, helped her build soft skills like communication and critical thinking.

“The experience made me more confident,” she says. “I learned how to work with people as well as how to work with data.”

Yixi smiles at the camera wearing a pink cardigan in a photoshoot at the Australian National University

Yixi feels confident in her future in the professional world after her time as an ANU student.

She also leaned on services across ANU, from the Academic Skills team to Australian National University Student Association (ANUSA). Career Central, in particular, stood out as a practical resource that strengthened her employability.

“It’s really great to book the one-on-one services for career planning. They helped me with resumes, career planning and all sorts of services that are helpful for the student life cycle.”

Finding her path

One of Yixi’s proudest achievements was securing a job at the University itself, where she applied her knowledge to support other students. That role revealed how directly her education connected to real-world settings.

Even more important was the clarity it brought. “I’m happy that my degree and student life at ANU helped me figure out exactly what I want to do and the career I want to be in,” she says.

Yixi stands on a bike trail and poses for the camera on a sunny day in Canberra with Black Mountain Tower behind her.

Yixi loves Canberra and has connected with the culture here.

Growth that lasts

Studying at ANU wasn’t only about academics. Yixi describes the University as a “passionate place,” where the energy of those around her kept her motivated.

Canberra also played a role. Moving to a new country was challenging at first, but she found the city warm and welcoming. Today, she recommends it to anyone considering studying abroad.

She discovered the value of connecting across cultures too. Through student clubs and multicultural events, she celebrated her heritage while engaging with people from different backgrounds.

“I like to share my background, my knowledge and my cooking skills with everyone,” she says.

Looking back but moving forward

Since completing her degree, Yixi has carried forward the confidence, clarity and skills she developed at ANU. She feels prepared to communicate more effectively, navigate the Australian workforce and apply her technical expertise in meaningful ways.

“ANU is an amazing place to not only focus on your studies but also to get you more involved with collaborating with others.”

For Yixi, her time at ANU was more than a qualification. It was an experience that gave her purpose, showed her what she was capable of and set her on a career path that excites her – the true difference of an ANU education.