Your top postgraduate questions — answered from an alumni’s perspective
Get valuable insights on CVs, networking, internships and more.
Thinking about postgraduate study but still have questions?
Asking the right questions is often the first step forward — and getting honest answers can be the turning point.
In this article, we speak with WayV founder and UNSW alum Vikri Novandi, who shares what postgrad study is really like — and answers the big questions many have before taking the leap.
Meet Vikri Novandi
Vikri is the founder of multiple purpose-led ventures, including WayV — an organisation inspired by his experience as an international student at UNSW, focused on helping under-represented students access scholarships and career opportunities. After starting his career in banking, Vikri completed a Master of Commerce (Digital Transformation) in 2023, where he immersed himself in real-world learning — taking on internships, joining case competitions and mentoring fellow students on CVs and career planning.
These experiences didn’t just shape his student journey — they laid the foundation for the inclusive, impact-focused work he leads today. Now, he’s sharing what he’s learned and answering the questions many of you may be asking as you consider your own postgraduate journey.
How to balance work, study and life
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How to find the right internship
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How to make your CV stand out as a postgrad
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How to impress in job interviews
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How to build a network at university
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How to balance work, study and life
It was not always easy, but it was meaningful. From the beginning, I saw my time at UNSW as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted to make the most of it, not just academically, but by embracing every experience it had to offer. That meant going beyond the classroom to join extracurricular activities like internships, competitions, and participating in other programs that aligned with my interests and values.
To manage everything, I had to be intentional with how I planned my time. I learned to prioritise, stay organised, and be kind to myself when things did not go exactly as planned. Even though it was hard, I tried to make time for self-care, like just having fun with my friends. It was not easy, but important to learn listening to my own pace rather than comparing my journey to others.
What truly kept me grounded was my purpose. I believe in making a positive impact, and every commitment I took on was chosen with that value in mind. I surrounded myself with people and friends who shared the same energy. I built strong relationships with classmates, lecturers, and mentors. That sense of community made all the difference.
Balancing study, work, and life took discipline, but it also gave me clarity about what matters to me. It helped me grow not just as a student or professional, but as a person.
How to find the right internship
One of the most meaningful internships I had at UNSW was joining the "Let’s Communicate" Program, where I facilitated English conversation workshops for international students. While it was not a traditional internship, it gave me the kind of real-world learning I value deeply. When I first saw the opportunity, I was not entirely confident, but I applied with a sincere intention to contribute to UNSW community. I knew how difficult it could be for international students to build confidence in speaking English and making friends, because I had been in their shoes.
Through this program, I wanted to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students could practice their English, share stories, and feel heard. We facilitated small group discussions, encouraged shy participants, and designed sessions that helped students feel more at ease. It was about more than just language, it was about connection, belonging, and confidence.
This experience also taught me a lot about leadership, empathy, and cultural understanding. I learned how to hold space for others, adapt my communication style, and stay present in the moment. It gave me a deep sense of purpose and helped me realise the importance of soft skills like patience and emotional intelligence. I also built long-lasting friendships with fellow students, many of whom I still stay in touch with today.
Professionally, this opportunity prepared me to lead diverse teams, communicate clearly across cultural backgrounds, and foster inclusive spaces, skills that I now use both in my corporate roles and my businesses. It reminded me that leadership is not always about giving directions, but often about creating a space where others can grow.
How to make your CV stand out as a postgrad
The first step is to know our values, purpose, and story. When we understand what matters to us and what experiences have shaped us, we could shape our CVs to become much more than a list of roles or activities but become a reflection of who we are.
Then, go beyond just studying. Take part in programs, societies, competitions, or internships that align with our values and personal journey. These experiences can help us develop both soft and technical skills, and more importantly, help us build a network and portfolio that set us apart. It is important to not wait until our final semester to start. Begin early and build gradually with sincere intentions. UNSW offers so many opportunities to support students, including international students, from employability services and career advisors to mentoring and peer programs. So, leverage those services and facilities to enhance our CVs.
So, know our values, go beyond study, say yes to opportunities, and start early.
How to impress in job interviews
Based on my experience, even though I achieved a high academic standing and was on the Dean's List, many interviewers were more interested in what I did beyond the classroom. For example, in interviews with organisations like the United Nations and the NSW Government Graduate Program, the questions focused more on my motivations for joining extracurricular activities and driving social initiatives. They wanted to see how those choices reflected my values and how they aligned with their organisational mission.
I tailored my CV to my personal stories and values, and aligned the CV with the jobs I would like to apply for, so I was more able to stand out to employers. It was proven. I received an offer from the United Nations and passed all stages in the NSW Government Graduate Program, even though in the end I chose to pursue a different path based on my priorities at the time.
How to build a network at university
First, I showed up, consistently and with sincere intention to engage and build meaningful connections. Whether it was a networking event, a case competition, a mentoring session, or any other events, I attended not just to gain something, but to learn and contribute as well. I made the effort to follow up, stay connected, and ask thoughtful questions. What truly matters is showing up with genuine passion, not with the aim to "sell" ourselves. I believe that people can sense when we are being sincere, and that sincerity creates trust.
UNSW provided access to an incredible ecosystem of peers, alumni, academics, and industry leaders. One takeaway I learned that meaningful relationships often begin with a simple question like, "What inspired me to do this?" or "How can I support their work?" rather than trying to promote myself straight away. Networking is not about impressing others, but about finding shared values, exchanging ideas, and staying open to possibilities that unfold naturally.
One of the most underrated yet powerful ways to build meaningful connections is through everyday classroom interactions. I often stayed after lectures to talk to tutors or lecturers, ask thoughtful questions, or share reflections on the topic. Some of those conversations turned into longer discussions and friendships that continue to this day. These relationships were built on curiosity, respect, and shared interests.
My advice: be open, be curious, and be genuine. Simply saying hello to the person next to us. Reaching out to someone whose work we admire. Attend events, not just to “sell”, but to connect. The opportunities will come, often when we least expect them, and those moments of genuine connection can shape our journey in ways we never imagined.
Ready to take the next step?
Postgraduate study can help you sharpen your expertise, open new career pathways, and build a future that reflects your goals. Whether you're upskilling, pivoting, or starting fresh — your next move starts with the right course.
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