"My hopes and dreams": Erika's embracing her interest in business

When Erika Lu moved with her family from the Philippines, she knew there’d be a whole new world of opportunities that would open up. But she didn’t know just how many opportunities studying at CDU would offer her and her family.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Marketing and Management, Erika is an accomplished student.

A family affair

Erika is not the only member of the Lu family making their mark at Charles Darwin University. Her mother has completed a master's degree in education and her brother is studying information technology.

I belong to a family filled with hopes and dreams. Australia was a blessing to us. It has given us so much opportunity to prepare for a better life and future.

Those hopes and dreams, coupled with close friends and family, have encouraged Erika to seize the opportunities that have presented themselves to her while studying at CDU.

“Attending Charles Darwin University, I learned and witnessed that the Territory is full of surprises and opportunities for growth as I lived and studied here''.

Now Erika encourages others to do the same.

“A piece of advice: be open to challenges and to continuously grab opportunities. Try to gradually go out of your comfort zone and attend events. It’s a great way not just to connect to other people but to learn more and be aware of the real business world outside of the university corners,” she says. 

That commitment to pushing herself to learn and experience more has paid off.

The beginning of a successful career

Erika has gained a competitive and highly coveted graduate position with the Northern Territory Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development.

"As a proud Territorian, I intend for the NT to be my long-term home. Thus, I am eager to be a part of its future development by collaboratively working within the public sector here in the Northern Territory," she said. 

Erika also won the 2019 International Business Council NT Business Student of the Year.

"Being awarded the prestigious International Business Council: Business Student of the Year by the Chief Minister Honourable Michael Gunner, MLA made me feel honoured and blessed. 

"This is an achievement that I offer to my parents, family, friends and professors who have been supportive throughout my journey,” she says.

So, what does Erika’s bright future hold? She’s grabbing every opportunity she can with both hands.

“In the future, I aim to become an entrepreneur, to establish a global company, and to do further studies.  I hope that my journey will inspire others.”

Ready to take your passion for change to the next level? Study a business course at CDU.