Following a week of orientation at their chosen university, incoming students commencing at Charles Darwin University (CDU) said they believe their studies in the Territory will give them a unique edge when it comes to pursuing their dream careers.
A range of orientation events welcomed the students to the university’s Casuarina campus ahead of semester two, with student groups joining with staff and local businesses to showcase the support, services, networking events and activities on offer.
For South African-born Graduate Certificate of Public Policy student Josh Rodrigues, 33, the institution’s Territory-focused courses in law motivated him to move from Broome to study in Darwin.
“I’ve always wanted to work in government policy, so studying at CDU gives me an opportunity to get my foot in the door, but also find out more about what makes Northern Territory laws so unique,” Mr Rodrigues said.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Kenny Chambers, 20, said a move from Victoria to be with family and begin his medical degree was an easy choice to make.
“Darwin is so diverse and so different from Melbourne – I’m really looking forward to studies that I know I will enjoy,” Mr Chambers said.
An impressive track record of academic excellence is what Bachelor of Information Technology student Faiza Nur Tushin, 20, says attracted her to CDU from Bangladesh.
“I have wanted to study at CDU ever since I read a research paper by IT lecturer Dr Sami Azam,” Miss Nur Tushin said.
“It really opened my mind to the applications that IT can have in other industries, but I was really drawn to how IT can bring changes in health science.”
Her pre-attendance research also gave her the impression that the university offered an inclusive multicultural community – an impression that, she says, has been realised.
“The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, combined with the ease of making friends, has made me feel instantly included. I am genuinely excited to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn more about their cultures.”
CDU Orientation Coordinator Nina Iannello said this week’s events wee an important opportunity for students to get a taste of university life and meet their peers.
“We know that for many students starting university can be a daunting experience,” Mrs Iannello said, who said the events of the past week were designed “to set our students up for success as well as providing a fun-filled experience”.
“Orientation is a great way to engage with students and show them what university life is like and the support that is on offer to them,” she said
