Arya Lohar
I am immensely grateful for the doors that UTS has opened for me and am proud to be an alumna.
Why did you choose UTS for your studies in Business?
My decision to enrol at the UTS Business School was motivated by the opportunities it offers. Over the past two years alone, I have been fortunate enough to immerse myself in a myriad of experiences. From serving as a mentor within the UTS Business School to participating in a transformative global immersion program in the United Kingdom and even being honoured with the prestigious AFR Suncorp Resilient Communities Top 100 Future Leaders Award – each experience has shaped me profoundly.
Moreover, I've seized numerous opportunities provided by the UTS Business School, including completing my UTS SOUL Badge and UTS BUILD journey. I've had the privilege of putting into practice the skills I've acquired through my studies, during my internship at a global professional services firm, where I was able to leverage my learnings to make meaningful contributions. These experiences have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I am immensely grateful for the doors that UTS has opened for me and I am proud to call myself an alumna.
When did you choose your majors? What influenced your decision?
In my second year at university, I chose my major (Management) after completing all core business subjects. What I appreciate about UTS Business School is its approach of giving students a taste of every element of business before they select their major. I opted for management-based majors because I've always been fascinated by leadership and its psychological underpinnings, as well as how industry knowledge and soft skills can complement each other to solve problems.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your degree so far? Why?
One of the most rewarding experiences during my university journey was when I went to the United Kingdom in 2023 to participate in a global immersion program at Nottingham Trent University. During my time abroad, I studied a subject called "The Entrepreneurial Citizen" alongside an incredible cohort of peers coming from countries like Canada, France, India, China, and more. The opportunity to collaborate with such wonderful individuals from different backgrounds fostered meaningful connections and transformed my worldview. Together, we shared a passion for learning which made this experience even more engaging.
Upon returning back home, I carried with me insights garnered from this unforgettable journey. The experience stands as a defining highlight of my university life because it was the perfect amalgamation of exploration, learning and fun.
What sort of work do you hope to be doing after you graduate?
During a recent internship at a global professional services firm in the financial advisory sector, I found interest in engaging with the technical aspects of the role. From analytics to data visualisation, research and interpretation, I discovered a passion that I hope to continue exploring post-graduation. However, my commitment to giving back has always been a guiding principle in my career aspirations. Whether that is through corporate endeavours, charitable initiatives or any other avenue, I aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and businesses. I have always believed that when you're passionate about your work, each day becomes an opportunity to contribute positively to the world around you, and this principle fuels my desire to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact.
What's it like to be named as an AFR Top 100 Future Leader?
Receiving the Suncorp Resilient Communities Top 100 Future Leaders Award was a moment of profound gratitude and humility, shared with another exceptional finalist. Being among 99 other remarkable individuals in that room was both humbling and inspiring, each one showcasing talent and dedication in their own right. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with peers who share a passion for making a difference.
Winning the award came as a pleasant surprise. It was a testament to the journey of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. I felt to stand for something I wholeheartedly believed in—Suncorp's commitment to building futures and protecting what matters.
What would your advice be for someone who is thinking about studying Business at UTS?
I would highly recommend studying business at UTS because of the abundance of opportunities that are available for students to grow. Whether that’s in your studies, volunteering, global immersion or industry events, UTS Business offers a diverse range of avenues for growth. You can choose to expand your horizons as a potential mentor or volunteer through programs like SOUL and BUILD.
Moreover, the variety of majors and minors within the business degree allows for exploration across various interest areas. This flexibility ensures you're not confined to a single area of learning, empowering you to tailor your academic journey to suit your passions and aspirations.
My experience at UTS Business School and the university as a whole has been incredibly enriching. The dynamic learning environment fostered has truly propelled my personal and professional growth. The numerous opportunities for experiential learning, networking and skill development have equipped me with tools and experiences that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours. I am grateful for the transformative journey I've had at UTS and look forward to continuing to contribute positively to the university community and beyond.