Grace Chen - Bachelor Of Commerce
After growing up in Sydney, Grace was drawn to both the city and the University of Melbourne because of the welcoming atmosphere and friendly people. She was also attracted to the Melbourne model, so she could study Commerce while pursuing other passions such as philosophy and information technology.
Grace maximised her time at university by participating in clubs and societies. She was part of organisations within the Faculty of Business and Economics, a Women in Tech coding and IT group, and the Global Consulting Group’s weekend hackathons and case competitions.
“Spending time at those competitions was a wonderful experience, because I was able to work with fun and enthusiastic people creating products or cases that consolidated skills that I learned through the University.”
“Often we were challenged to push our abilities, and create results that were innovative and challenged the way society operated.”
Grace undertook a summer internship at Ernst & Young after her second year of studies. Although this first insight into the corporate world “was a bit daunting, I soon realised that the University had already given me a strong foundation for many of the tasks that I was given” Grace said.
Grace was also involved in the Students at Work program at the University and became an intern in the Faculty of Business and Economics’ Marketing and Communications team. Grace calls this “one of the greatest opportunities”. She learned how the University operates and developed both her technical and interpersonal communication skills.
Grace said she’s really going to miss the atmosphere around the University – “especially the coffee shops” – which make meeting with friends and classmates convenient. Her favourite is House of Cards!
Welcome to the alumni community, Grace!