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Meet Cameron from the USA, studying Business in Australia

UQ people
Published 20 Jul, 2021  ·  3-minute read

Hi, my name is Cameron Law. I’m from the USA and I studied a Master of Business, with a focus on International Business, Social Impact and Sustainability, at The University of Queensland.

Why did you choose to study at The University of Queensland?

I chose The University of Queensland so I could pursue my passion for sustainability while also studying international business. UQ has provided me with the avenue to combine both focuses into a dual-majored Master of Business. I believe this educational path allowed me to develop my skills and enrich my professional career.

Man (left) and woman (right) walking.

What did you like best about your program and UQ?

"The best thing to me about my UQ program was the professors and teaching staff."

They enriched my time at UQ, and provided mentoring in the course material and outside of class. They guided and supported me through my courses in practical ways which I know have helped me in my career, now and in years to come.

What did you like most about living in Brisbane?

What I liked most about living in Brisbane is the layout of the city along the beautiful winding Brisbane River. How the river is utilised adds to its uniqueness and beauty. The lifestyle in Brisbane really seems to revolve around it – there are so many parks, walking and bike paths, and bars and restaurants along the river. For me, the CityCat ferry and South Bank Parklands were my favourite ways to enjoy the river.

Brisbane River with CityCat Ferry and City in background
Image courtesy of Brisbane Economic Development Agency

How would you describe your UQ study experience?

My UQ study experience was very enriching and inspiring. The program of Social Impact and Sustainability ignited a passion in me to create sustainability in the corporate world or government. I'm inspired to create change by realising the power that a smart businessman or woman can have by thinking sustainably. After my time at UQ, I'm motivated to inspire others to work towards building more sustainable corporate and government organisations.

Were you involved in any social activities or extra-curricular activities at UQ?

UQ has many initiatives and programs that help students to develop their employability while studying. I was a part of the UQ Business School Postgraduate Association (UQ BSPA). Within this club, I was elected as the Executive Council Secretary. I was also involved in the BEL Career Mentoring Program (CMP).

Students meeting with BEL professional
UQ has services such as BEL Careers and Employability to support students to develop their employability.

What are your future career aspirations?

I have two quite different career aspirations. When I was at UQ, I worked with UQ’s Career Mentoring Program to narrow my focus. My first career aspiration is to work for a company that is changing its industry for the better or working towards creating a sustainable company/industry. An example is Tesla Motors and its aspirations to revolutionise the auto industry.

My second career aspiration is to work in my hometown of Sacramento, California, in city or state government. I would like to create future sustainable growth for the city and develop it in a way that looks like Brisbane (a vibrant lifestyle around the river).

Did you undertake any work experience or an internship?

I did work experience with Brisbane City Council with the State of Emergency Services to create better business processes that increase response rates and quality. This has been very beneficial for my career as it gave me an insight into working in a government organisation. In this work experience, I honed industry-specific skills that I would not have been able to build in a classroom.

I also took on some work experience through the Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) program.

What advice would you give to students from your home country about studying at UQ?

"I would advise anyone considering studying at UQ to think no more and commit to this life-changing experience! UQ not only provides a top-tier education and industry connections but also a personal growth experience."

By studying overseas, you learn a lot about yourself as you are in an environment that is so much different from home. This may seem frightening, but it will help you grow personally through life experiences and the global connections you will make.

What is life like since you graduated from UQ?

After graduating from UQ, I moved back to Sacramento, California and joined a micro venture capital firm called Impact Venture Capital. While there I worked in corporate relations as well as innovation programs. In serving entrepreneurs through the company’s innovation programs I saw the role entrepreneurs played in building a thriving region.

A passion for Sacramento and creating an impact in our community led me to my next opportunity with Social Venture Partners of Sacramento (SVP Sacramento). SVP Sacramento is part of an international network of philanthropists that invest in non-profits to help them scale their impact. I joined SVP Sacramento as their Executive Director and I led the company for two years. While at SVP Sacramento I was recognised as a 40 Under 40 professional by the Sacramento Business Journal.

This role led me to the Carlsen Center where I served as Interim Executive Director for a year and three months and was then hired on as the permanent Executive Director eight months ago.

"The University of Queensland helped shape who I am and to understand my ‘why’, which I believe is essential to leading a fulfilling career and life. I walked away from UQ after graduation with a clear idea of the impact I wanted to have on the world and a steadfast direction of how to start and where to go."

Want to create change in the corporate world like Cameron? Explore the Master of Business today.

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