Students & alumni

Kris Bondin showed early leadership skills as a student mentor and during his work placements. Since then, he has ‘put himself out there’ and his career has soared.

Samantha Rodrigues' co-op year gave her valuable skills and landed her a job after graduation.

State Member of Parliament and former Shadow Treasurer, Kim Wells was a VU accounting student almost 40 years ago.

International business student Michelle Lee Pei Hua has built a global network of connections and friends through VU studies.

Tahani Shamroukh took VU's Adult Migrant English Program and discovered a love for welding which led to employment.

VU plumbing graduate, Bryce Williamson, is Winner of the 2017 Energy Safe Victoria Award.

Engineering graduate Emma Buis is lead site engineer on the University’s new student accommodation.

Dylan Di Martino took his skills to the world stage and proved he is one of the world’s best young plumbing apprentices.

Winning the Australian Government's prestigious Endeavour Scholarship has been a dream come true for Cambodia's Prasat Sum.

Neha Jhunjhunwala, physical education teacher and head of the sports department at Cambridge International School in Punjab, India, chose VU to take her career to the next level.

Former VU international student Crispino Santamaria says VU’s Centre for Student Success played a pivotal role in his entry to the Melbourne workforce.

International student Janice Ashwin will return to the Solomon Islands with so much more than just a degree.

Just weeks after finishing her postgraduate degree at Victoria University (VU), Shreysha Shrestha found herself swapping roles from student to teacher.

Jen Seymen had always been employed as a supervisor in hospitality before she undertook hospitality studies at VU. There she found the tools she needed to gain employment at a higher level.

Ready to embark on his own career transformation, Charles Campos decided to focus on managing organisational change.

This postgraduate course focuses on enterprise resource management planning (ERP) systems in SAP and analytical predictive tools such as SAP HANA, Bigdata and R.

Austin Crawley always knew he wanted a career helping people, beginning with a part-time job at a pharmacy in Year 10. But the alignment of some key events helped him find his dream job.

A mere six months after landing her dream job as an executive with Marketing Eye, Samantha Dargan was promoted to marketing manager.

With a strong background in health and business, Debbie Ruiz’s MBA gives her the edge in her role as revenue manager at Western Health.

After first studying education, Jessica Pond returned to university at VU and landed her “dream job”.

Sarah Oleksiuk’s determination to become a successful project manager is winning her awards and admiration.

After completing a VU bachelor degree, Sally Cheung returned for industry-relevant postgraduate study.

Dr Anne Riggs researches how art helps people recover from grief.

Achol Arow’s VU journey has helped her find her voice as a political leader and women’s advocate.

Aboriginal cultural educator and actor Nathalie McLean designed a creative way to teach the newest people about the oldest culture.

VU Arts graduate Olivia Slater (Yamatji/Noongar) is making history as the first Indigenous Australian woman to undertake a PhD at Cambridge University.

Victorian Student Band of the Year, VU’s Party On My Darling are honing their skills at Kindred Studios.

Benjamin Laut has used skills and connections gained at VU to co-found an award-winning film production company.

Quinn Daly discovered her passion for printmaking and gained career direction while studying visual arts at VU.

Alice Robinson pursued her passion for writing with a PhD and achieved her dream of becoming a novelist and academic.

International student Yanri says studying in Australia is the best way to strengthen his knowledge.

Mariam Khattab went from Youth Work to teaching through VU.

Through the unique VU Block Model and one-of-a-kind learning experiences, Emily Gannaway is excelling.

From a small village in northern Bali, Dodi is studying his Master of Education to one day return to his hometown and teach English.

VU Alumnus Benjamin Sacco, finds VU students to be passionate and professional employees.

A professional athlete-turned-teacher has been named one of the world’s top 50 educators in a $1 million competition.

International Victoria University Polytechnic student Jenifer Halim is following the path to her dream.

Adam Furey has enjoyed regular work placements over the past two years thanks to VU’s strong industry connections.

VU’s extensive practical placements and industry connections took Joshua Le from the classroom into his dream career as an educator.

Troy Flores fulfilled his dream to become a teacher despite the odds.

VU student turned VU teacher, Sam Dang followed a flexible pathway from diploma to postgraduate study.

Benjamin Foster credits VU’s industry links and practical learning opportunities for taking him to his dream job.

Sultan Bin Rubayan received a prestigious scholarship from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission to pursue studies in engineering at VU.

Dishana Liang found the balance between work and postgraduate studies through VU’s flexible block learning.

Julien Lepine’s research into transport vehicle vibration at VU caught the eye of University of Cambridge.

Professor Adrian Stoica’s VU research helped propel him towards becoming one of NASA’s most esteemed engineers.

The practical focus of VU’s Engineering degrees gave Annelyse Carter a head start in the construction industry.

Cheuk Yin Wai, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering), says that studying at VU has turned challenges into opportunities.

Architectural engineer Sian Willmott used her VU degree and career focus to become a leader in sustainable building design.

Kav Dassanayake landed a job at one of Victoria's most innovative Government departments after he graduated.

Kim Taylor’s passion for electronics led him to VU. He completed a Masters of Engineering to expand his career options.

VU’s industry links and support services helped engineer Fatima Osman find work before she even graduated.

Marine biologist Jacinta Early’s career took her all the way to New York City – now she is spreading the message of sustainability back in her heartland.

After studying at VU, Sharlyne is reaching her dream of becoming a qualified doctor.

Dr Lannie O’Keefe left school at 15, but has since completed three degrees, including a PhD, and begun an academic career.

When Wes Clarke didn’t get the ATAR he’d hoped for at the end of Year 12, he didn’t let that stop him from achieving his dream to become a sport scientist.

Paramedicine student Sarah Maclure’s hands-on training helped prepare her to save lives when she least expected it.

From disappointing VCE results to the Ivy League.

After escaping the Democratic Republic of Congo's civil war at 16 and spending three years in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Mlisho Karega came to Australia with the dream of becoming a doctor.

Emma Heard credits VU's industry connections and placement opportunities for preparing her for a career in midwifery.

Aaron Lethlean overcame personal difficulties through VU’s support to graduate with a degree in nursing.

With a love for the stage and performing, Ellie McEvoy enrolled in a Diploma of Specialised Makeup Services at Victoria University Polytechnic. The back-up plan turned into a job working on the Oscar Nominated Film, Lion.

Nikki is co-founder and CEO of an organisation that provides first aid training to school students, workplaces and parents.

Stefanie Riccardi is on the way to achieving her career goals thanks to practical learning in labs and overseas.

Vanesa Stojanovska won a prestigious medical research grant.

Sharni Chandler has overcome years of bullying at school to become a prize-winning make-up artist.

Megan Walendy knew that by studying tourism she was following her passion – but she never predicted what would ultimately launch her career.

Anthony Renehan’s journey to a career in hospitality took an indirect route. He was already studying another degree when he had a change of mind that altered everything.

Tourism graduate, Susi Miller, combines her work and passion for our State with a dream job at Tourism Victoria.

Student Hannah Simboro won the only Australian scholarship to attend an international events congress in Shanghai.

Through a combination of supportive VU pathways, hard work and hackathon success, Zahra Rezai found her place in the world of IT.

VU’s supportive learning environment was the perfect setting for Abigail Bravo’s career change.

By seizing practical experience during her studies, and professional opportunities since, Christine Soriano has landed her dream job at Google.

International student Vinh is living proof that you can never be overqualified, or that a change of career isn’t just a dream.

Andrew Hinton's IT pathway has seen him rewarded with a position as a cyber security threat hunter at Telstra.

Karen Cortez found her passion in migration law.

Several prestigious awards, nominations and her dream job later, this legal young gun’s never looking back.

Seizing every challenge available to her, Mary Amon thrived on her international study tour and excelled in her practical placement, leading to her being offered her current full-time position.

Shavini Kumarawansa overcame personal tragedy to become a successful lawyer, and now uses her expertise to support those who need her help the most.

Lewis Truong follows his legal career dreams around the world, but never leaves home without his most important assets: pride in where he came from and an unwavering sense of justice.

After fleeing the murder of his parents, Burundi refugee Innocent Karabagega has followed a pathway to Bachelor of Laws.

Celil Kardaslar found confidence as a student during high school debates. Now he finishes his degree ahead of schedule and is embracing every opportunity as an award-winning Law graduate.

Bol Mathiang used an arts degree to help him transfer into Law at VU. Now, thanks to the support he received during his studies, he’s ready to take the next step towards his goals.

Vincent Shin didn't let a violent childhood stop him from realising his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Iman Osman dreamed of studying law since childhood. VU’s support programs and practical learning opportunities helped make that a reality.

After achieving her position at a top tier law firm, Christie Jones is taking on fresh challenges – as a barrister, law student mentor and parent to two children.

As the youngest of three siblings to study law at VU, multi award-winning alumnus Amanda McDermott is leading the way in her career.

Studying law thanks to two prestigious scholarships, Joseph Hafoka is finding success through VU’s new First Year Model.

Marco Man’s diverse study pathway has led him from VCE to a Bachelor of Laws.

International student Seun Omolewa is determined to bring his passion for filmmaking to life.

The knowledge and skills VU international student Clera Sam has gained will stay with her long after she returns home.

Returning to study in her twenties, Kelsie Cafarella found her career calling thanks to VU’s industry connections, internship opportunities and supportive teaching staff.

Building on a background in communications, Kuhan Supramaniam came to Victoria University (VU) to expand his skill set in digital media.

With the kick-start of a Bachelor of Business from VU, Beck Reeves now works as Marketing Manager at Walt Disney Company Australia.

After completing his masters degree in business marketing, Sebastian Au landed a job at his dream company, L'Oreal.

Kayla McLeod leveraged the University’s industry connections to forge an exciting career in media.

Muamer Hot gained employment at Starcom MediaVest Group before graduation after completing an internship through VU.

Postgraduate communication student, Niru Tripathi, has become the first female editor of Nepali Print Media Australia.

Brady Hamilton’s passion for nature led to his involvement in critical scientific research.

Kuorwel Kuorwel went from refugee to research scientist with a PhD in chemistry.

After completing two different science-based bachelor degrees at other universities, Yao-Han Lee’s hunt for an interesting honours project took him to VU where he found top marks, supportive teaching staff, and the passion for PhD research.

William and Elizabeth Fisher Scholarship winner Charlett Giuliani has been awarded the highest Graduate Women Victoria prize for 2015.

Ghofran Al-nasiri was given a chance to achieve her dreams of becoming a researcher through VU’s pathways program.

Mary Cowling took her interest in the environment to New Zealand to study fur seals.

Thanks to the rich and diverse learning environment at VU, Angelo Monizjong is getting the most out of his Master of International Community Development.

Being a finalist for international student of the year on the same night as her university won an award for its revolutionary new teaching model is a highlight of Olena Nguyen's international study journey so far.

Reflecting on the year that was, VU student Mia Dunphy says she has “grown so much” following her Indonesian study experience.

With an interest in criminal justice, James Dib was drawn to his VU degree due to its practical learning opportunities and strong career prospects.

With a long-life desire to help others, VU Youth Work valedictorian Zenab Tewolde found her career calling at Melbourne City Mission.

Eliza Kandell fought back from a low score to find her career calling in Youth Work.

An eye-opening overseas placement in Malaysia ignited Robert Impey’s passion for Community Development.

Celia Tran was named Premier’s Volunteer of the Year 2016 for her tireless community work.

Andrew Pascoe completed a placement and year-long residency in Papua New Guinea where he made a widely screened documentary.

Olena Nguyen says VU’s First Year Model has made her journey to become a social worker much less stressful.

Leaving high school early didn't stop Fatima Abdul from completing two degrees with VU.

Sara Graham, a ‘quiet achiever,’ chose a career close to her heart.

After returning to study as a mature-age student and sole parent, Renee Page forged a career in community services.

Since graduation Shruti has taken a lead role improving sporting culture in her home country, India.

Brooke Muscat's combined degree in sport science and psychological studies has taken her to an exciting role with Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

Lorcan Mathews is working with the next generation of local footballers as Melbourne Victory Academy’s U15 Team Manager.

The decision to study in Melbourne – and at Victoria University (VU) – was a self-professed “no-brainer” for international student Avery Loganathan.

Ninja Warrior Australia semi-finalist and strength and conditioning coach/educator Kadeem Aarons has his sights set on an exciting future.

Sharna Naidu’s placement at Melbourne Victory Football Club helped her gain her current role as their W-League Performance Analyst.

Driven by his passion for rugby, Eoin McVeigh is forging a career in London as a performance analyst.

Elise Wiggins worked hard to get into VU, citing its sporting facilities and industry partnerships as major draw cards.

Sisters Bianca and Rosemarie Michetti followed pathways from TAFE to postgraduate study.

Clifford Fahler used industry experience gained through VU to find a full-time logistics career.

Maree Stuart completed her masters as an investment in her supply chain and management career.

Deepak Vinayak's work as a multicultural community champion earned him a 2018 Pride of Australia medal.

VU graduate and current masters student Bart Phaosihavong finds that education is a pathway to new career opportunities.

Eric Law developed the practical and theoretical skill set to kick-start a successful career in the logistics industry.

With the support and guidance of VU, Blake Dutta has forged himself a place alongside GM Holden’s senior leadership team.