JCU inspires this undergraduate to shine

From getting on the Dean's List to founding a cultural club, James Cook University undergraduate Subiksha Krishnan has a fulfilling campus life

By Rachel Ng

February 22, 2021

She was in the science stream at Victoria Junior College, but Ms Subiksha Krishnan, 20, was able to easily adapt to her business course when she enrolled at James Cook University (JCU).

Now in her second year of pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Majoring in Accounting and Financial Management), Ms Krishnan has enjoyed picking up a new subject – from learning how to analyse financial statements to using accounting software MYOB and conducting risk analysis. 

Her goal is to work in the finance sector after graduating in July. She says she was attracted by JCU’s programme as it would allow her complete her degree in two years compared with at a local university. 

Ms Krishnan also plans to pursue a master's in banking and finance. She believes JCU’s internationally-recognised degree would help in her application. 

“JCU’s high world ranking, the prestigious backgrounds of its professors and the opportunity to transfer to the Australian campus were some of the reasons why I chose to study here,” says Ms Krishnan. 

She adds that the university's welcoming environment and support from her lecturers have eased her transition, and have made campus life fulfilling. 

“I would approach my lecturers immediately after tutorials to clarify doubts on the spot, book consultations with them or e-mail them my queries. They would respond within a day, which I appreciated very much,” she says. 

She also made use of JCU’s financial lab to analyse stock patterns and Bloomberg Terminal software to get real-time updates of financial markets so she could better understand the work of financial analysts. Her lecturers also recommended textbooks for further reading, which she found in the school library.

Good time management

Another huge part of campus life has been her involvement in clubs and societies – Ms Krishnan founded the Indian Cultural Club and was also elected into the Student Council. Her roles included planning cultural events for students and being an orientation leader to welcome and guide incoming freshmen. 

“There are so many opportunities for students to pursue their interests. I have learnt a lot about leadership and teamwork from being involved in planning many events,” she says. 

Ms Krishnan’s active involvement in extra-curricular activities meant she kept a tight schedule and while juggling her many roles was a challenge, it also forced her to evaluate her commitments and manage her time well. She even managed to get on the Dean's List in 2019. 

“Even though this meant sacrificing some of my leisure time, I believe it was worth it as my efforts enabled me to gain leadership experience and work with the university and school organisations, and still make it to the Dean’s List,” she says.

When she transitions into the working world, Ms Krishnan says she will always look back fondly on her time at JCU.

She says: “Not only have I expanded my network, but I have also gained many skills and technical knowledge in my field. JCU has helped me to grow holistically as a person and shaped me into a professional ready for the industry.”