Yuanlin Wang, a graduate of The University of Sydney (BA, International Relations) and the University of New South Wales (MA, Translation) is now working for the China Admissions and Student Services Centre at Australian National University.
Why did you choose to work at Australian National University?
“ANU is a very distinguished school that nevertheless maintains an under-the-radar profile. Besides being one of the leading schools in the country, it is also a globally ranked for majors like Philosophy, Anthropology, Political Science and Social Science. The faculty and student body is reflected in the strong academic, multicultural atmosphere. I’m also given a lot of flexibility in how I accomplish my work duties.
Having graduated from the University of Sydney and UNSW, it makes me very proud and happy to now full work time at another famous university like ANU.
What responsibilities do you have at work?
Most of my work consists of organizing many kinds of student events whether academic, social, career oriented and competitions. I also represent the school in networking and liaising with enterprises, alumni, and other universities. Creating internships in one of the goals of these relationships and I help connect students with available positions. There are many other activities and services we provide through our office as well.
What are some ways you explored different fields of study during high school?
I went to Sri Lanka for volunteer work during the summer after Grade 10, For two weeks, I taught English to children, spent time at the local turtle conservation area and repainted the walls of the old, local temple. I have also been to other East Asian countries to do volunteer work. The more you experience being around, talking and working with people from different culture backgrounds, your own goals can become clearer.
How have you efficiently managed your studies?
It was while doing an undergraduate internship that I had decided to continue my studies and apply for a MA program in Australia. After doing some research on various majors, I found a Masters in Translation program that while normally requiring nearly two years to complete, can be shortened to 1 year if you can provide relevant work experience. So after graduating from the University of Sydney in November 2019, I spent one year travelling back and forth doing freelance translation work and projects It provided me with good working experience and also saved time for my MA study. I was able to start my MA with actual real-life experience and that made my study not only more time-efficient but also more practically meaningful.
What are some of the important things you gained from high school?
- International, Rigorous Academic Program
It was after I began working that it more clearly dawned on me realize how important our UF program is for families that want to send their kids to study abroad. The UNSW Foundation Year allowed me to adapt to university academics pretty easily. Students have a choice from the three different study streams leading to very clear pathways for the majors you would like to study in college.
Academic English was extremely important. Every course you learn in university requires the knowledge and skills you learn in AE. Other classes where we learned how to use Office ended up being very useful for work.
- Alumni Network
Since the International Department of the high school has been around for more than ten years, there are now alumni in all corners of the world. One of my best friends is at Cornell University in the United States, and another dear friend graduated from an Australia university and went back to work with me in Shanghai. I am very grateful even we are studying overseas, there are still people nearby who are connected to home. Alumni and former classmates are like the secret trump cards to heading overseas – , the chance to have someone to pull you in difficult times and share in happy times.
- Personal Strength and Development
During my six years in our school, I had many good teachers, and I keep in touch with them. I thank them not only for their teaching and everyday example but also for the spirit of the school that they installed in me and which I took overseas. It was an inspiration wherever I was. I continue to recall and am grateful for what the school taught me – To have the soul of Chinese citizen with a globally-minded vision.