My name is Axel and I'm from Indonesia. I studied Financial Technology and Business Analytics at UNSW. And now I’m a data analyst in Sydney, Australia!
Life in Sydney
One of the things I love most about living in Sydney is the diversity. It’s truly a global city where you can meet people from all walks of life.
The city is beautifully designed too, with stunning skyscrapers right by the coast, surrounded by trees and nature. It strikes a great balance between a fast-paced urban lifestyle and a calm, coastal atmosphere.
One cultural difference that really stood out to me is how much people here value an active, balanced lifestyle. There’s a strong culture of health, openness, and community here that I really appreciate.
My favourite things to do in Sydney
One of my favourite things to do in Sydney is explore the food scene—it's incredibly diverse and authentic. I’ve had the chance to try Nigerian food at Little Lagos, Nepalese dumplings at Momo Hub, Peruvian dishes at La Hacienda Peru, and authentic Chinese and Korean food in Eastwood. It’s exciting to learn about different cultures through cuisine, all in one city!
I also enjoy staying active, walking along the coast, enjoying Sydney’s clean air and scenic harbour views, or even meeting up with new people to play football after work. People here are very open to new experiences and always keen to connect.
How my education and experience in Australia helped my career
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) was the right choice for me, with industry-focused learning, industry networking and hands-on experience with R, Python and SQL. I even got to work on projects with Accenture and Optiver, which gave me consulting experience and financial modeling skills in real-world business settings. This practical focus gave me skills that employers value.
I aim to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) or secure a sponsored role in Australia while continuing to develop my skills in finance, technology, and data analytics.
Advice for future students
Stay open to new experiences. Take on any relevant opportunities like internships, part-time roles and industry projects offered by your university.
The journey may not always be straightforward. Have faith. Your career path might evolve in unexpected ways, and that’s okay. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
My journey in Australia has been one of learning, growth, and opportunity. If you're considering studying here, make the most of every experience—you never know where it might lead!