Alumnus Success: Janette, Hong Kong
09 Mar 2021
Janette Yuen, Hong Kong, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Bachelor of Business Marketing
Janette Yuen moved to Queensland from Hong Kong to study a Bachelor Business Marketing at Queensland University of Technology. We caught up with Janette to talk about her career, why she chose to study marketing, living in Queensland and more.
What are you doing now in your career?
I’m a Business Development Manager at the Scape Group, looking after the Northeast Asia market.
Scape is the largest purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) group in Australia. My main role is to explore and develop any business opportunities in specific regions through different networks I have.
Before that, I worked in the international higher education industry. I have extensive experience in international student recruiting and relationship building and management.
How has your experience in Queensland helped you with your career?
Being a marketing expert in the international student industry, my experience in Brisbane as an international (student) allows me to share my story as a first person. I went through all the steps that every international students go through: from choosing the study destination and university to choosing where to live.
Being able to share my story with them has been a great help to them in making their own decisions.
I feel honoured that I can take part in one of the most important decisions in their lives - one that will most likely change their lives.
In addition, I have become a lot more outgoing, resilient and independent after living in Brisbane for 10 years by myself. Moving to a new country by yourself at at young age forced me to be adaptable and agile. These skills are not only useful in my daily life, but they are interchangeable in my work life.
What was the highlight of your experience living in Queensland?
I enjoyed every single moment living in Queensland.
I didn’t know what to expect when I first went there and cannot believe how much the place brought to me and has changed me.
Queensland is full of beautiful, friendly and helpful people. Brisbane’s weather was sunny almost every day and is perfect for outdoor activities all-year-round.
One of the highlights of my experience has to be the time spent with friends from all around the world. We all did activities that we never did back at home: tree-top climbing, skydiving, surfing or simply being able to go to the beach or hike whenever we wanted.
Did you undertake any work experience during your time in Queensland?
I was an intern at the International Student Mobility department at QUT during my final year of study. The team is responsible for promoting student exchange programs to QUT students and their exchange partners around the world.
Being a marketing student, that was the first time I actually applied my knowledge to real-work situations. Yet, the most important skill that I learned from my internship was soft skills: the ability to be a good team player, an inspirational presenter, and the ability to be a good communicator.
Why did you decide to study marketing, and why Queensland?
I first learned about ‘marketing’ during a career fair at high school.
I thought it would suit my personality and would be a fun career.
Having been an enthusiastic science student at high school, I was already sensitive to numbers and logic. However, you also have to use the creative side of your brain in marketing to come up with an original, yet practical, plan. Marketing definitely challenges both sides of your brain and this is something I love about it.
To be honest, I did not know too much about Brisbane when I chose to go. Like many international students, I applied through an Education Agent. Luckily, I had a responsible and patient agent who was willing to discuss and compare all the options I had with me.
I decided on Brisbane in the end, not only because of the university, but also the whole package that Brisbane offers.
Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia. I love being outside and doing different outdoor activities. Brisbane is within Queensland, which is called the Sunshine State - so I was sold! Brisbane is also a very safe city. My parents felt secured sending me to Australia at a young age, especially to Brisbane.
What career-advice would you give to give future students thinking about studying in Queensland?
Jump out of your comfort zone and grab any opportunity you can!
Whether it is to be a Brisbane international student ambassador, or a waiter at a restaurant, it’s still a great opportunity to learn new skills and make connections. Taking part in internship and mentorship programs are also important in my opinions. In Brisbane, most universities provide a lot of career advice and support to students. I highly recommend students to make good use of these free resources that are provided by universities.
What's the easiest way to develop a social-life in Queensland?
Brisbane is such a multi-cultural city: it was very easy to find friends, either from my own country or other countries.
Queenslanders are known to be extremely friendly, as well. Saying, ‘Good day mate, how are ya?’ with a smile helped me start so many conversations and made many friends during my time in Brisbane.
So I think the easiest way to develop a social-life is just to be brave and have an open heart and mind when you talk to people. There are also many social activities that you can do in Brisbane. For example, social sports or volunteering. I found that this was a great way to make friends who have the same interests as you do.
Do you have any ongoing ties to Queensland?
I was just watching the State of Origin and cheering for the QLD Maroons the other night. Jokes aside, I still have a lot of friends in Brisbane and I try to go back every year to visit my friends.
I am lucky enough to work for an Australian firm which has businesses all over Australia, including Queensland. That also allows me to share my experiences in Queensland to different perspective and current students.
Posted by: Study Queensland