Kriti's Student Life Story

About Kriti

Master of Business Information Systems

Kriti is completing a Master of Business Information Systems at Swinburne.

Developing soft skills employers are looking for

Completing the Swinburne Employability Award helped Kriti to realise the importance of soft skills.

Looking back at how far she’s come

For Kriti, the Swinburne Employability Award was more than a certification, it was a mirror that reflected how far she’s come.

Recognising experiences beyond the classroom

When Master of Business Information Systems student Kriti found out about the Swinburne Employability Award at a university networking event, it prompted her to start thinking about her career growth seriously.

Kriti said the award gave her a valuable reality check of what the job market actually looks like and what employers are truly seeking.

Kriti admitted she was initially nervous to complete the award as she thought it would require her to step far outside her comfort zone. She soon realised much of the program’s requirements such as networking events, workshops and extracurricular activities were already part of her university journey, making the award a great way to be recognised for achievements she had previously undertaken.

“Rather than taking the award as a tick mark or a certification, I took it more as a reflective mirror of what I have achieved until now and that gave me a lot of confidence,” she said.

Developing soft skills

Kriti had spent most of her academic life focused on achieving high marks and excelling in her studies.

Completing the award helped her recognise the importance of soft skills in being employable.

"I think I was managing my academics well but when it came to managing my networking skills or communication, I was an introvert, not trying to be out there," she said.

"This award definitely pushed me to do better as they have designed it in a way that does require you to fulfil requirements, not just academically, but through networking events, webinars or workshops"

KRITI, MASTER OF BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS STUDENT

Standing out in the job market

Kriti felt as an international student she had worked hard from the moment she arrived in Australia to stand out against her peers. The award was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what she has achieved so far and how much more she still wishes to accomplish.

Throughout her experience completing the award, Kriti appreciated the personalisation and support offered by the Swinburne Employability team, as well as the three-stream structure which allowed her to focus on each stream critically.

Since completing the award Kriti has found it helps her to stand out in job interviews, often becoming a point of discussion and a strong addition to her CV. “It brings a lot of curiosity in employers’ minds, and it comes off as an achievement,” she said.

Kriti encouraged other students to explore the award and take the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone. In her experience, the Australian job market favours soft skills just as much as technical expertise and the Swinburne Employability Award is a great way to build confidence in these areas.