Building a career of the future at Australia’s top University
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Chathuri Jayasundera was inspired to study at the University of Melbourne to further her love for microbiology at a leading research institute.Ranked number one in Australia and 32 in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings; the University of Melbourne attracts talented students from all over the world – including more than 100 Sri Lankan students every year. “The University of Melbourne holds its reputation for research and teaching and ranks as one of the pioneers in world higher education and the leader in Australia in many disciplines including Biology,” she says. Born in
Sri Lanka, Chathuri moved to Australia to study the Master of Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne. “I spoke with the University of Melbourne staff at an expo in Colombo in 2018 and was inspired to confirm my decision to study there,” she says.
Looking to make a global impact, Chathuri wanted to join likeminded graduates who are in industry positions all around the world. When making the decision to move to Melbourne, Chathuri was looking for facilities with world-class resources for research, experienced academics and a strong industry connection. By 2025 the biotechnology industry is predicted to have annual turnover of around $1 trillion.
Studying in the heart of one of the worlds most liveable cities, Chathuri enjoys exploring the diversity within the University. “The University of Melbourne welcomes international students across the world and I wanted to explore the multicultural diversity,” she says. “This opportunity will allow me to build new connections especially in the research and industrial sections thus enhancing my profile.”
The Master of Biotechnology course has students based in the heart of the Parkville Biomedical Precinct, learning from leading researchers in the field and benefiting from the extensive network of partners across the industry. Chathuri has customised her study plan to develop her professional career through choosing subjects such as Commercialization of Science and Bioprocess Engineering.
Biotechnology has always been a passion for Chathuri. The career opportunities are in demand and has increased opportunities in the medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology industries. As a microbiologist, she wanted to learn further how biological agents such as microorganisms could be applied in a beneficial way.“This course inspires me as it tells us how to value your products and market it and gives us experience and skills that are vital when we actually have to work in an industry,” she says.
Most jobs in biotechnology companies require both a scientific background and an understanding of the commercial requirements of the industry, and that’s why University of Melbourne graduates are in demand for employment in the diverse and growing biotech industry. “As a science student, I am fortunate as the faculty has a wide and strong network with the industry and other research institutes which is a good foundation to start our career once graduated,” she says. Chathuri hasn’t restricted herself to just science at the University of Melbourne. Participating in extracurricular programmes, clubs, and volunteering services ultimately developedher confidence, communication skills, and most importantly make new friends and made the whole university experience richer. “I have really enjoyed joining clubs such as Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and the Sri Lankan Students’ Association (MUSLSA) to widen my friendship and networking groups.” Soft skills are important for biotechnology students, which is why the University of Melbourne includes subjects on scientific communication and leadership, to ensure students are ready to enter the biotechnology industry with confidence. As a recipient of the Science Graduate Scholarship (International), it helped Chathuri focus more on her studies. This scholarship provides tuition fee remission worth $10,000 to high-achieving international students undertaking graduate study inenvironment and natural resources; Sciences and mathematics at the University of Melbourne.“With this scholarship, I knew that I had made the best decision to study at Australia’s best university. It also gave me confidence that international students are highly welcomed by the university”, she says.
Discover how you can take your place at Australia’s number one university. Contact Claire Bingley, Regional Manager of University of Melbourne on
c.bingley@unimelb.edu.au or Edlocate (pvt) Ltd on
077 177 0361 or email
inquiries@edlocate.lk