As a Master of Marketing graduate, community award winner and mentor, Raghav Motani is now making his mark as a Community Building Officer. At UTS, he volunteered more than 350 hours helping students navigate university life and seize volunteer opportunities. With aspirations of becoming a business leader, Raghav values his role in an active student community, where he can make an impact and learn from those around him.
Raghav Motani wants to be a business leader, but he knows the best experience in the world is rolling up his sleeves and mentoring our most vulnerable.
When Raghav, an international student from India, arrived in Sydney to pursue a Master of Marketing (Extension) at UTS, he didn’t just focus on his studies. He dove straight into university life, making sure to leave his mark both on and off campus.
Raghav had initially studied a Bachelor of Business Administration in Strategic Finance back home, influenced by his family's business background. However, during his undergraduate years, he discovered a passion for marketing, actively participating in class discussions and applying marketing concepts to real-world challenges.
This newfound interest, along with Sydney’s business opportunities, UTS’s central location and its strong industry connections, made choosing to study abroad at UTS an easy one.
“The university’s forward-thinking approach to marketing, with subjects like innovation and entrepreneurship, aligned perfectly with my career goals,” he says.
But it was UTS’s wealth of extracurricular activities such as UTS SOUL, UTS BUILD and UTS Startups that truly drew him in.
“UTS offers so many ways to get involved, and one of the best is UTS SOUL,” he says.
“Run by the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, it’s the perfect place to start your volunteering journey. They provide all the resources you need and connect you with experienced alumni who support and guide you.”
Learning through giving back
Raghav’s passion for community began early, inspired by his time with his grandmother, who shared stories about change and resilience. Her influence sparked his interest in engaging with communities, learning from their experiences and finding ways to contribute.
Volunteering quickly became a cornerstone of Raghav’s university experience, something he believes is as important as education itself.
I wanted to put myself in the community and meet new people. Volunteering was a way to reduce my stress, get away from technology and spend time with people and learn from them.
During his time at UTS, Raghav accumulated over 350 hours of volunteer work with six different organisations, including roles as a mental health first aider for Kookaburra Kids, a UTS peer networker, a Red Cross emergency and disaster community RED-iness member and a volunteer community manager for TEDx Sydney.
“Every role sharpened my adaptability and deepened my understanding of community needs,” he says.
“Not only did I apply marketing principles through volunteering, but I also gained leadership, decision-making and other transferable skills that are essential in the corporate world.”
He believes these experiences helped build his confidence and increased his employability.
“Employers value transferable skills. Volunteering lets you develop them in real-world settings while making a difference.”
Supporting student well-being
Among his volunteering efforts, Raghav was particularly committed to student welfare. He was a well-being representative with Activate UTS and the International Collective Officer with the UTS Students’ Association, where he worked to create a sense of community among international students, many of whom struggle with isolation and the cost of living.
Reflecting on his own challenges, Raghav recalls feeling lonely and overwhelmed when he first arrived in Sydney.
“I knew I had to step outside my comfort zone,” he says.
Volunteering was my breakthrough — it gave me a new perspective on life in Australia and helped me build meaningful connections.
Thanks to his efforts, the International Collective is now a thriving community where students volunteer, socialise and support one another — making a real difference for international students navigating similar struggles.
Shaping a future with purpose
Even with the pressures of study, work and rising living costs, Raghav stayed focused on making the most of every opportunity.
“Try as many things as possible while you’re at uni,” he advises.
“That way, you can narrow down what you enjoy and build a career in an area you’re passionate about — rather than feeling stuck doing something you don’t love.”
Beyond volunteering, Raghav became a strong advocate for international students, speaking out on issues like unfair transport costs and housing insecurity. His efforts even gained recognition in the Sydney Morning Herald, where he raised awareness about these challenges.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed — he was awarded the Betty Makin, Young Community Champion Award by the City of Sydney, celebrating his commitment to volunteering and building stronger, more connected communities.
After graduating, Raghav continues his work in student engagement, helping university students navigate university life and discover volunteer opportunities.
“Being part of an active student community allows me to make a meaningful impact while continuously learning from others,” he says.
Raghav’s journey proves that with passion, hard work and a commitment to social impact, one person can make a significant difference. Through his dedication to community and belief in the power of connection, he is an inspiring example of how university life can shape not just a career, but a future full of purpose.
At UTS, Raghav has spent over 350 volunteer hours to improve lives.
Because it’s not just a university — it’s humanity.
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