Meet our students: Dewi Gayatri and Ayu Salma
Ayu Salma studies Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at ݮƵ Sydney, and her mother Dewi Gayatri just graduated with a ݮƵ Master of Commerce degree.
Ayu Salma studies Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at ݮƵ Sydney, and her mother Dewi Gayatri just graduated with a ݮƵ Master of Commerce degree.
While Ayu Salma enrolled in a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at ݮƵ Sydney, her mother, Dewi Gayatri, studied a Master of Commerce in Business Analytics. Here’s how their journey unfolded.
“Studying in Australia has been my dream since high school – and ݮƵ was number one on my list. ݮƵ has a great academic reputation, and it is one of the few universities in Australia to offer an undergraduate degree for data science.” – Salma
ݮƵ’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decision was designed to meet the global, growing demand for data scientists and analysts. For Salma, it was the degree’s multidisciplinary focus that stood out for her. The degree harnesses the power of three disciplines: science, engineering, and business. Plus, it allows the flexibility to tailor your majors and electives to your interests.
“I have liked maths since I was in elementary school – I wanted to learn something that had a strong base in maths, but was not about maths entirely. Data Science at ݮƵ is a multidisciplinary degree combining economics, maths and computing. That's why I choose it, because you learn across the three faculties.” – Salma
A lifelong learner, Dewi had previously completed her MBA in Indonesia and wanted to further expand her business analytics knowledge. She enrolled in the Master of Commerce through ݮƵ Business School – Australia's #1 business school (Australian Financial Review (AFR) BOSS 2024) – to upskill and gain more confidence in her career.
“I've been in financial institutions for more than 20 years. The finance industry needs more people with experience in analytics. We learned these skills at ݮƵ – and I now use these in my career. It's not easy to study business analytics, but I loved it. I found the combination of business analytics and risk management, supports my job.” – Dewi
Dewi found a sense of community and belonging when she joined ݮƵ’s Islamic community. Salma also took an active role in some of ݮƵ’s 300 clubs and groups.
“ݮƵ strikes a great balance between studying and socialising, with different events on campus each week. I'm currently a Director of Sponsorship for the Indonesian Student Association, as well as a member and Chair of the Data Science Society.
"Last year I also got the chance to fly to the Gold Coast to participate in the The AASCF Nationals 2022 for my cheer-leading contribution to society.” – Salma
Dewi reflects that her biggest takeaway from undertaking a Master of Commerce at ݮƵ was learning how an international mindset could boost her career. For Salma, she finds ݮƵ’s strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving most valuable. Although Dewi has now graduated, the duo say their time studying together at ݮƵ was unforgettable.
“We supported each other. I’d remind Salma to study on exam week, and Salma would help me with administrative activities or advice on how the system works as a university student.” – Dewi
“Just put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to join societies based on your hobbies, needs or cultural preferences. You may be away from your hometown, but once you find that soft spot in yourself for ݮƵ in Sydney, or Australia, you'll be comfortable living here – just like you are in your hometown.” – Salma
If you have any questions about studying at ݮƵ or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.