Sylvia Aiai Opu

I think that my Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting, and Bachelor of Law is a perfect combination of what I like doing and what I am good at.
I am enjoying my time studying at the James Cook University Townsville campus. At first, it was a bit difficult adjusting to a new environment and culture, but with the help of my family, and the support of the staff here at JCU, I was able to transition into university life quicker than I thought. I think that the university support system is great, there’s no question that can’t be answered. My lecturers and professors have also helped with the transition into university life. They are wonderfully understanding, easy to talk to and motivate me to do study to my full potential.

I chose JCU for a number of key reasons. The main campus is close to my home so I’m able to take direct flights to visit my family in Papua New Guinea, and the business school has a great reputation. I like that JCU is rated five-stars for graduates finding full-time employment within four months of graduating*. In addition, the cost of living in Townsville is cheap compared to bigger cities in Australia.

My course is preparing me to become work ready as I’m learning to become a critical thinker, which is important because in the workforce, critical thinking is necessary to solve problems quickly and efficiently. I’m also gaining additional skills through my extracurricular volunteering. I am a law student mentor, a Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) student ambassador, and a North Queensland Women’s Legal Service volunteer staff member.

After I graduate, I’d like to work in Australia and gain experience working in both the accounting and legal industries. Eventually, I want to start up a non-for-profit organisation to start a community legal service. I’d like to do pro bono work to help people in the PNG community so that they have access to free legal advice.

If you’re thinking of studying with JCU, I’d say: don’t think, just start. You won’t regret your decision. You get the best of both worlds, a range of multicultural diversity and you can experience living in Australia.

*Good Universities Guide 2018