When Vishwajit Patel began the Master of International Business, he wanted to deepen his understanding of international trade.
Alongside the knowledge he gained, he found an international network that continues to carve his career.
"The degree broadened my mindset," he says. "It gave me exposure to bright, like-minded peers."
Studying at Melbourne also created opportunities for Vishwajit to connect with people beyond the classroom. He regularly attended seminars and exhibitions through the University's partnerships, including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centres. At one of these events, he met a Sri Lankan importer who remains one of his trading partners today.
"I still trade regularly with him," he says.
After graduating in 2019, Vishwajit returned to India and founded an international trading business specialising in pulses, lentils, spices, rice and millets. The practical focus of the Master of International Business has continued to influence the way Vishwajit approaches his work.
"I use the concepts from Business Analysis and Decision Making every day," he says. "I still hear Professor William's voice when I'm making decisions."
During his final semester, Vishwajit worked as a Research Assistant with Professor Hari Bapuji, an experience he says was another highlight of his time at Melbourne.
"Professor Hari Bapuji guided me a lot during those six months," he says.
Since graduating, Vishwajit has continued to expand his career. Alongside growing his own business, he was approached to lead the agriculture division of an investment company backed by BlackRock, Tiger Global and SoftBank.
He says the combination of his professional experience and a University of Melbourne qualification helped create that opportunity.
The relationships he built during the program have proved to be invaluable, helping him gain business partnerships.
"I'm still in touch with many of my classmates," he says. "They either help directly or introduce me to people in their networks."
For more information on what Vishwajit studied, visit Master of International Business.