Building a business future

 Rachel Caruana
During my business degree in event management, I did 150 hours' paid work placement with a marine business, and was involved in organising their exhibit at the Melbourne Boat Show.

Rachel Caruana
Diploma of Business (Enterprise) and Bachelor of Business

Rachel Caruana’s seamless VU business pathway has led her to a career in the events industry.

"I knew I wanted to study business, but my ATAR wasn’t high enough to get into uni. My school career practitioner recommended I apply for the business diploma at VU, as it guarantees a direct pathway into the second year of the degree.

The diploma was a fantastic stepping stone. I enjoyed the hands-on group scenario work, in such an innovative learning environment. It wasn’t the typical ‘desks and lectures’ type of learning so it was great preparation for uni.

During the third year of my business degree in event management, I undertook my 150 hours’ paid work placement with a marine business, and was involved in organising their exhibit at the Melbourne Boat Show at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. I gained the confidence to meet stakeholders and a sense of achievement in seeing a project from start to execution.

I’m the first in my family to go to university – my graduation was a really proud moment for my parents.

My work experience helped give me an edge, and my placement employer also gave me a great reference for my current job. I’m now working in events, for IPAA Victoria as a program executive assistant."

Courses studied