Swinburne alumna Hiske Deschepper's accounting career has motored ahead
In Summary
Hiske Deschepper credits the success of her international accounting career to her experience with Swinburne University of Technology’s Industry-Based Learning (IBL) work placement program.
While studying accounting at Swinburne, Hiske worked as a Finance Assistant with Mercedes-Benz as part of Swinburne’s well renowned IBL program.
“IBL is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and show a company what you are capable of. I was lucky to be offered the opportunity to stay on with Mercedes-Benz after my placement, and I have seen other IBL students at Mercedes-Benz offered the same chance,” said Hiske.
Graduating from Swinburne in 2010, Hiske now works as a Controlling Expert for Business Solutions at the Headquarters of Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, in Stuttgart, Germany.
“I didn’t speak German when I applied for this position, and had no family and few friends here. Now, while my German still isn’t wonderful, I do have an amazing group of friends, plus a fantastic boyfriend that I never would have met if not for that leap of faith.”
For students who are interested in a career overseas, Hiske recommends getting involved with international study opportunities while at university.
“Study abroad is a great way to experience another culture. International companies look for indicators in your resume that show you are a team player, that you can remain dynamic in difficult situations and whether you have the ability to work in a culture that is not your own. These things become more and more important if you want to work overseas one day.”
“Accounting is an ever-changing, dynamic profession and I have found it to be an interesting career choice. There are so many different branches in which you can choose to study and excel.”
Industry-Based Learning provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to undertake a six-or 12-month paid placement in an area related to their studies.
In 2013, Swinburne’s IBL program celebrated 50 years of success and has since become the longest running IBL program in Australia.