After completing the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, Ha is preparing to begin a Master of Information Systems.
Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, she credits the flexibility of the Melbourne Curriculum in helping her discover new interests and building the confidence to find her academic direction.
Ha’s interest in commerce began during high school, where she was first introduced to business subjects. Curious about how organisations operate, she saw the Bachelor of Commerce as a natural next step.
The University of Melbourne stood out for its comprehensive yet flexible three-year Bachelor of Commerce curriculum, which allows students to explore different disciplines while building a strong foundation in core areas of commerce.
The Bachelor of Commerce encourages you to explore different areas before choosing a major. That flexibility allowed me to build foundational business knowledge while discovering what interested me most.
Like many students, Ha’s academic path evolved during her time at Melbourne.
The study plan she created when she first arrived as a 17-year-old changed significantly by the time she graduated. The Melbourne Curriculum gave her the space to explore new areas and refine her interests. This was made possible by the University’s academic community and services such as Stop1 Student Support.
Alongside her studies, Ha became actively involved in student life through the Melbourne Technology Consulting Club (MTech), a UMSU-affiliated student club connected with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.
Being part of the MTech encouraged Ha to step outside her comfort zone and explore opportunities. She took on an executive role contributing to the student community while building connections with fellow students, faculty members, industry partners and alumni. During this time, Ha developed a growing interest in information systems and the ways technology and business intersect. Pushing her curiosity into post-graduate study.
Looking back, Ha says her Commerce degree shaped not only her academic interests but also the way she understands herself.
“Before starting my BCom, I felt that my view of the world was quite narrow and I didn’t always have confidence in myself,” she says. “Challenging myself through new opportunities during my studies helped me redefine how I see both myself and the world.”
As she prepares to begin the Master of Information Systems, Ha sees the next stage of her studies as a natural progression from what she began during her Bachelor of Commerce.
The program combines business and technology, and her Commerce degree provided a strong foundation in areas such as management, accounting and finance.
Reflecting on her journey from an undergraduate student to postgraduate candidate, Ha recognises how much she has developed during her time at the University.
Looking ahead, she hopes that combining her background in commerce with postgraduate study in information systems will allow her to approach business challenges from both strategic and technological perspectives.