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A mother-daughter duo from Indonesia recently embarked on a trip of a lifetime together – studying at �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s Sydney campus at the very same time.

While Ayu Salma enrolled in a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at �ʹڲ�Ʊ 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 �ʹڲ�Ʊ was number one on my list. �ʹڲ�Ʊ has a great academic reputation, and it is one of the few universities in Australia to offer an undergraduate degree for data science.” – Salma 

�ʹڲ�Ʊ’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 �ʹڲ�Ʊ is a multidisciplinary degree combining economics, maths and computing. That's why I choose it, because you learn across the three faculties.” – Salma

Both Salma and Dewi sighted �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s hands-on learning and real-world skills, as a key reason they chose to enrol.  

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 �ʹڲ�Ʊ 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 �ʹڲ�Ʊ – 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

Outside of study, both Dewi and Salma immersed themselves in campus life.

Dewi reflects that her biggest takeaway from undertaking a Master of Commerce at �ʹڲ�Ʊ was learning how an international mindset could boost her career. For Salma, she finds �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving most valuable. Although Dewi has now graduated, the duo say their time studying together at �ʹڲ�Ʊ 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

Are you thinking about making the leap to study in Australia? Salma has some advice for you too.

“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 �ʹڲ�Ʊ in Sydney, or Australia, you'll be comfortable living here – just like you are in your hometown.” – Salma