From arts to accounting: Vicky’s becoming an accountant

Huijia Liu (Vicky) describes herself as a woman who loves sunshine, smiles and exploring the world. We think she can also describe herself as a resilient and adaptive learner, having made the courageous move from Bachelor of Arts graduate to Master of Professional Accounting student.

Originally from a small city in China’s Guangxi Province, Vicky arrived in Australia feeling equal parts excited and nervous: excited about what her new life in Australia would hold, and nervous because it was her first time leaving her home city and parents. After completing an Arts Honours degree, Vicky said she decided to take the leap and applied for a Global Achiever Award Scholarship to study a postgraduate Accounting degree with CDU.

I was drawn to CDU’s unique culture and strong research focus on Australian Indigenous knowledges; I’ve been so impressed by this ancient culture during my time here, especially since I travelled to Uluru in my first year in Australia

“Studying at such a modern university while being surrounded by nature and exploring the local Indigenous culture has been a wonderful experience.”

Vicky said the big change in study area – from Arts to Accounting – has presented some challenges along the way.

“Everything can seem hard when you first start, but it will become easier and easier as you keep doing it,” Vicky said. “You just need to believe in yourself, study hard and use any and all resources available to you.”

Grabbing all the opportunities that have come her way with both hands – as well as creating a few herself – Vicky has been able to enrich her study experience as a CDU student.

I’ve had some fantastic opportunities during my time at CDU, but the most exciting one so far was being sponsored by CDU’s student association to attend the Council for International Students Australia Conference in Perth

“Together with other delegates from CDU, I represented the Northern Territory and had the chance to build my understanding of the most pressing issues being faced by international students, as well as to network with other students who are excelling in their fields.”

Vicky was also selected as one of 10 international students to travel to Katherine – a town a few hours’ drive south of Darwin, where she’s based for her studies – for a business trip organised by the Northern Territory chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. There, Vicky met with the CEO of a financial firm and made valuable connections with the local accounting professional network.

“Because the class sizes are smaller at CDU compared to other universities, it means students can connect more closely with their tutors and lecturers,” Vicky said. “Teaching staff can pay more attention to students, and that makes it feel much more like a community.”

Vicky hopes to graduate with a Master of Professional Accounting and stay in Darwin where she can work and contribute to the local community she now considers home.