Say hello to your Career Ready Ambassadors!

Yashanthi Perera 

What are you studying?
Master of Financial Analysis specialising in Financial Technologies 

What campus do you study at?
Bundoora campus 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
Career readiness goes beyond simply securing a job, it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. In today’s fast-paced world, industries evolve rapidly and staying ahead means consistently sharpening your technical skills, expanding your network and embracing new challenges. It’s not a destination but a lifelong journey of growth, ensuring that when opportunities arise, you’re not just prepared, you’re the ideal candidate! 

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
Being a student at La Trobe has been a transformative journey, especially as an international student. The university fosters a welcoming and supportive environment, offering countless opportunities to grow beyond academics. From career development initiatives to hands-on experiences like participating in Hackathons and my role as a Student Ambassador, I’ve been able to build valuable skills, expand my network and step outside my comfort zone. La Trobe isn’t just a place to study, it’s a platform to challenge yourself, connect with inspiring people and unlock doors you never knew existed! 

Something from your bucket list? 
One of the top experiences on my bucket list is witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the sky light up in shades of green and purple, dancing above the Arctic landscape. I’d love to stay in a glass igloo, soak in the beauty of the aurora and experience the magic of a Scandinavian winter! 

Yiana Sakkou 

What are you studying? 
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/ Biomedicine 

What campus do you study at? 
Bundoora campus 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
Being career-ready equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary for a successful transition from university to the professional world. It’s not just about academic learning; it’s about embracing diverse opportunities, even those that may not seem directly aligned with your career path, as skills are transferable across industries. Gaining practical experience allows you to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, making it easier to adapt, contribute and thrive in any environment. By being career-ready, you are prepared to face challenges with confidence! 

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
Studying at La Trobe has been a valuable experience, both academically and personally. The university’s resources and opportunities have allowed me to develop practical skills while expanding my knowledge. Throughout my studies, I have felt supported in navigating challenges and growing in a way that will benefit me beyond university. 

Something from your bucket list? 
Adopt a German Shepherd rescue pup 

Dinithi Suharshani 

What are you studying? 
Master of Business Analytics (Data Science) 

What campus do you study at? 
City campus 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
Being Career Ready is important because it helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the professional world. Through the Career Ready Advantage program, I earned Silver, Gold and Platinum levels, which helped me improve my leadership, communication and professional skills. These achievements have been key in securing roles like Career Ready Ambassador, Senior Leader in the La Trobe Leaders Program and Student Ambassador. By preparing myself through this program, I’ve gained the experience and confidence to excel in these roles and take meaningful steps toward my career goals. Career readiness is not just about finding a job, it’s about building a strong foundation for a successful future.  

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
Attending La Trobe University has been the best decision I’ve made. Through roles like Student Ambassador and Career Ready Ambassador, I’ve gained invaluable leadership and communication skills while supporting new students. As President of the Sri Lankan Society and a Senior Leader in the LTU Leaders program, I’ve had the chance to foster community, organize events and develop my leadership potential. The experiences I’ve had with initiatives like the Student Experience Consultative forum and winning the Coles x La Trobe Hackathon have further enriched my journey, making La Trobe an valuable part of my personal and academic growth. 

Something from your bucket list? 
Hike amazing trails like Wilsons Prom and Werribee Gorge and have fun at Gumbuya World with its adventure rides, water slides and wildlife. 

Vibhi Singh 

What are you studying? 
Bachelor of Computer Science 

What campus do you study at? 
Bundoora 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
I’ll be real here. I’m an international student in Australia, I don’t have networks and contacts, references and connections. I’m starting from the bottom-up and my aspiration is to build a future I’m proud of. To achieve that, I need to make use of the golden resources provided to us by the university and the market in general. There’s a lot of opportunity in different industries in Australia but it’s on us, to make the best use of it. Being career ready is something we have in our control and to achieve the best, we need to plan and work towards accomplishing our dreams, make our families back home proud and build an extraordinary future 

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
Year 2, studying Computer Science has been fun so far. The professors have a genuine passion for teaching, the academic support provided by the peer mentors and library staff has been a huge help, I have got to learn a lot about the field as well as attending all sorts of events, living on campus, meeting new people, eating a ton of free bbq and churros. I have no complaints.  

Something from your bucket list? 
Having authentic matcha in Kyoto  (抹茶ロースタリー) 

Jackson Cope 

What are you studying? 
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 

What campus do you study at? 
Bundoora campus 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
We’re entering a fast-paced and dynamic workforce, where the rate of technological change is increasing. Employers are looking for people that can hit the ground running with the ability to adapt to changing work conditions seamlessly. This often means we won’t be supported to learn a lot of the skills that graduates need, once they find employment. We need to be learning these skills at university alongside our degree to ensure we are prepared on day 1 of our new careers.  

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
It has been a phenomenal experience, with the support from teachers and faculty being at the forefront. I think something that makes La Trobe stand out is how much time the staff will spend outside of class hours to assist in your personal and professional development. They are also spearheading strategies that prepare students for their careers through programs like the career ready advantage award and industry placements. 

Something from your bucket list? 
I’ve done skydiving and bungee jumping. For those who also want to jump from extreme heights but aren’t sure which to do – I would recommend skydiving because it’s a little less scary and the views are incredible! 

Luna  
(Vu Thanh Hang Nguyen) 

What are you studying? 
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Global Studies at the Bundoora Campus 

Why do you think being Career Ready is important? 
Because unfortunately, our generation is born into the most competitive job market ever. Why would an employer choose us, naïve and fresh out of uni, over all the competent and experienced workers out there? Proving that we are career-ready and willing to learn is going to be an uphill battle, one that we ought to start fighting from university. 

Your experience being a student at La Trobe? 
Extraordinarily fun and exciting. I have been here for three years and yet every year, I discover new activities to experience and enjoy (like being an ambassador this year!). And of course, I cannot forget all the ever friendly and supportive teachers and staff, for they have helped me learn so much and created opportunities for me along the way. 

Something from your bucket list? 
Disneyland! I so want to experience one as an (arguably) adult.