For Kayla Chu, the biggest lesson she learned at Melbourne was discovering the confidence to ask questions.
When starting the Master of International Business, Kayla expected to deepen her understanding of global business through passive teaching methods. Instead, she found herself embracing an entirely different way of learning.
"At Melbourne, you can ask questions directly to your professors," she says. "They are always willing to answer."
Melbourne’s teaching approach changed more than the way Kayla studied. It reshaped how she approached opportunities, sparking her to re-imagine her future.
Originally from Suzhou, China, with a background in finance, Kayla explored subjects across the Faculty of Business and Economics. One class in particular sparked an unexpected interest: Supply Chain Management.
Supply Chain Management opened her eyes to the complexity of global logistics. It also inspired her to explore graduate opportunities in the industry and attend company visits, including a tour of an Amazon fulfilment centre.
For Kayla, seeing supply chain operations in action brought classroom concepts to life.
"In class you see the theories and the slides," she says. "But in real life, every decision leads to different outcomes. It was amazing to see how so many people worked together."
Outside the classroom, Kayla embraced the opportunity to get involved in campus life. She was a Student Ambassador, leading activities that help Business and Economics students connect to their university community. The experience of organising events and engaging with students from diverse backgrounds strengthened skills she believes will be essential throughout her career.
Before studying at Melbourne, most of Kayla’s educational experiences had been with students from similar cultural backgrounds. During the Master of International Business, she learned to navigate different working styles, communicate across cultures and appreciate diverse viewpoints.
"I learned how to work with people from different backgrounds," she says. "I want to work in a diverse environment, so those skills are very important."
Since graduating, Kayla says her biggest takeaway from Melbourne wasn't only the knowledge she gained, it was the mindset she developed.
"The University gives students the freedom to try things," she says. "If you want to make a difference, people will support you."
For Kayla, having the support and freedom to make mistakes and ask questions didn't just shape her student life. It gave her the confidence to form and present her own ideas and think bigger when it came to her career.