February 13, 2026
Meet Sydney CBD Campus UOW student, Aditi Kumar
Student Spotlight: Aditi Kumar
Meet Aditi Kumar, a postgraduate student from Delhi, India, currently pursuing a Master of Marketing at the Sydney Business School, UOW. Aditi has always been curious about people and what makes them tick, which is what drew her to marketing. “I’m really interested in how people think and why they make the choices they do,” she says. Outside of her studies, she’s easy-going and fun-loving. She believes in keeping a good balance in life—working hard, but also taking time to relax, recharge, and enjoy quality time with friends.
A unique academic journey
Aditi’s path into marketing has been anything but conventional. Coming from a background in English Literature, transitioning into a business-focused discipline initially felt daunting. “I felt like I was starting from scratch,” she recalls, especially being surrounded by classmates with strong foundations in business and marketing. However, UOW made that transition smooth and welcoming. The curriculum is designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds, and the foundation subjects helped her build a solid understanding of core business principles. Over time, this support strengthened her confidence and sense of belonging within the business school. She also highlights the strong academic support and the genuine sense that students are heard and valued at UOW.
A defining academic moment
One of Aditi’s most transformative experiences came during her Social Marketing unit. Initially, she and her group assumed the subject focused on social media platforms. This misunderstanding led to early struggles. However, their tutor reframed their perspective: social marketing is not about platforms—it’s about understanding how people think, behave, and make decisions.“That shift completely changed how I approached the work,” she explains. Through consistent feedback, hands-on learning, and collaborative effort, her group ultimately became the only team to earn a distinction. Beyond the achievement itself, the experience taught her resilience, teamwork, and the importance of challenging assumptions.
What she enjoys most about UOW
What Aditi enjoys most about studying at UOW is the strong sense of belonging. As an international student, feeling supported makes a significant difference. She appreciates how approachable lecturers are and how interactive the classes feel. The emphasis on collaboration and practical application makes learning dynamic and engaging rather than purely theoretical. “It feels like I’m not just earning a degree—I’m growing as a person,” she reflects.
Balancing studies, work, and life
Starting life in a new country can be overwhelming. For Aditi, clear prioritisation has been the key to managing multiple responsibilities. “Some weeks my studies need more focus, other weeks work takes the lead,” she explains. Recognising shifting priorities allows her to plan realistically. She maximises small pockets of time—listening to lectures during her commute or while going for a walk. At times, balance requires sacrifice, whether that means skipping social plans or missing a sunset. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” she says.
The biggest lesson learned
The most important lesson Aditi has learned since becoming a UOW student is that growth often comes through discomfort. Moving countries, changing academic disciplines, and adapting to new expectations pushed her outside her comfort zone. Yet each challenge strengthened her resilience and self-belief. She has learned that progress does not require perfection—only persistence and openness to learning.
Looking ahead: career aspirations
After graduation, Aditi aims to build a career in marketing. She sees the field as broad and ever-evolving, spanning content, digital, social, and brand strategy. She hopes to begin her professional journey on the brand side, ideally in an Assistant Brand Manager role, to develop a strong foundation and understand how different marketing elements come together strategically. From there, she remains open to growth and discovery as her interests continue to evolve.
Preparing for the future
Aditi values UOW’s practical approach to learning. Real case studies and opportunities to work with actual brands bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. She has also developed an appreciation for subjects she initially overlooked, such as supply chain management. Recognising its connection to marketing broadened her perspective and strengthened her strategic understanding.
The diverse combination of subjects has provided her with a well-rounded foundation that directly supports her career goals.
Advice for new students
Aditi’s advice to new students is simple: Get curious.
“UOW is a place where curiosity really pays off,” she says. Sitting quietly in class will only take you so far—asking questions, engaging in discussions, and actively participating make the experience far more rewarding. Once you begin to enjoy the learning process, everything feels more manageable.
Final words of encouragement
If Aditi could share one word with fellow students, it would be ‘sincere’.
“Be sincere in your effort, even on the days it feels hard. You haven’t come this far to give up or get distracted now. Keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and don’t lose hope. Progress isn’t always loud, but it’s happening. Keep pushing and keep believing in yourself.” Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying committed to growth.