January 30, 2025

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Gopika Radha

Student spotlight: Gopika Radha

Meet Gopika Radha, a driven student from India, currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Analytics at Sydney CBD Campus, University of Wollongong (UOW). Having completed her undergraduate degree in Commerce, with a specialisation in Finance and Taxation, Gopika’s academic journey has been one of adaptation, growth, and discovery.

Choosing Business Analytics at UOW

With a background in Commerce, specialising in Finance and Taxation, Gopika has always been fascinated by how data influences financial decision-making. Realising the growing demand for analytics in business strategy, she decided to specialise in Business Analytics.

She found that the Sydney Business School, UOW’s Business Analytics program’s focus on technical skills, real-world applications, and exposure to advanced analytics tools made UOW the right fit for her goals. She says, “what excites me most is the opportunity to apply data-driven insights to solve business challenges, which will prepare me for a career in the ever-evolving financial sector.”

Adapting to a new culture and system

Raised with the values of flexibility and independence, Gopika adapted quickly to Australian life and its cultural diversity. Embracing changes with optimism, she says, “I approach any challenges I face as learning opportunities, which has made the transition much smoother.” 

She states, “moving to Australia also made me more independent. I enjoyed taking on new responsibilities and managing everything on my own. I never felt homesick and grew to appreciate my own company, which was a big change for me.”

Overcoming academic challenges

One of the most challenging aspects for Gopika was adjusting to the Australian academic system, particularly the differences in communication and understanding the local accent. However, her perseverance paid off. By actively asking questions repeatedly to understand better, engaging with peers, clarifying doubts, and maintaining a structured study routine, she overcame these hurdles.

Gopika states, “I firmly believe that if you put in 100% effort and practice consistently, you will improve and succeed. As the saying goes, 'Practice makes perfect,' and I’ve come to realize that hard work is essential for success. Without it, no one can truly succeed in life. Now, when I look back, I can see the changes in me and the confidence I've gained. I'm always proud of myself for how far I've come.”

Finding joy beyond studies

To balance her academic demands with personal time, Gopika established a solid routine that allowed her to stay on top of her studies while also taking time to unwind. Whether it was exploring Sydney’s vibrant culture, participating in UOW’s exciting events, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a new sketch or cooking different dishes, she made sure to find joy in all the experiences.

Gopika cherishes the opportunity to visit different spots around Sydney and share these experiences with her family back home. Active participation in UOW’s events, including the popular "Stress Less Week," has also been a great way for her to relax and meet new students.

With a grin, she states, “one of the best things about studying on UOW Sydney CBD campus is the exciting events held each trimester. They’ve given me the opportunity to visit new places and build lasting friendships with people from around the world”.

Practical skills for the future

In her Master of Business Analytics program, Gopika has already made significant strides, learning a wide array of concepts, including data analysis and predictive modeling. Tools like SAS Viya, Excel, and SQL have been instrumental in developing her technical skills, and she’s confident these tools will be valuable assets in her future career.

For those considering the Master in Business Analytics at UOW, Gopika offers some valuable advice: “Build a solid foundation in data analysis, familiarise yourself with tools like Excel and programming languages like Python or R, and stay curious. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and collaborate with your lecturers and peers. Lastly, stay dedicated and organised. Consistent practice is key, and with the right mindset, you'll make the most of this program.”

Data-driven career aspirations

Gopika envisions herself working in the field of business analytics, where she can help organisations leverage data to make informed decisions. With opportunities available both in Australia and in her home country, India, she is excited about the growing demand for data-driven decision-making in industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

Gopika is open to exploring both markets. She looks forward to analysing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and providing actionable insights to drive business strategy.

Embracing growth and experiences on the path to success

As for her fellow students, Gopika has a simple but powerful message:

"Take on life’s challenges with an open heart and a positive mindset. No matter what you face, stay focused on your goals and work hard. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that all the struggles we go through will lead to something good, so we need to be patient and trust the process.  Keep going and success will come in due time.”

Gopika journey at UOW is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the importance of embracing new experiences. With her positive mindset and dedication to her studies, there’s no doubt that she’s on the path to a successful career, wherever that journey may take her.