May 26, 2025
Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Cindy Chiandiary
Student spotlight: Cindy Chiandiary
Meet Cindy Chiandiary, a postgraduate student from Indonesia, currently studying at the . With a background in Marketing, she has always been drawn to the intersection of numbers, strategy, and human behaviour. “Marketing taught me about people,” she says, “but my love for statistics and problem-solving made me curious about the tech side of business.” That curiosity led her to take the leap into a new, more quantitative field—one that bridges business and technology.
Why Business Analytics at UOW?
After completing her Marketing degree, Cindy started researching postgraduate programs. She considered Accounting and Applied Finance but was especially drawn to Business Analytics for its complexity and hands-on nature. “It’s not just theory,” she explains. “It’s coding, statistics, business logic—it challenges you to think critically.” UOW’s practical teaching approach, combined with its academic reputation, helped solidify her decision.
Balancing academic life and personal well-being
Having spent three years in Australia, Cindy faced initial challenges adapting to Sydney's lifestyle and managing academic responsibilities alongside a part-time restaurant job. Overcoming cultural shocks and stress required Cindy to strategically limit her social media usage, prioritize assignments based on deadlines and complexity, and adopt healthier eating habits. These thoughtful adjustments have significantly enhanced her academic performance and personal well-being, proving the value of careful planning and lifestyle balance.
Overcoming initial challenges
Cindy identifies her early months in Australia as her toughest period, struggling to balance studies, work, and personal life. Experiencing burnout, unhealthy dietary habits, and social isolation, Cindy persevered with support from friends and proactive self-care strategies. Upon commencing her postgraduate studies, Cindy embraced healthier choices, reduced stress through music and better study techniques, and actively re-engaged socially through university networks and mentoring programs, marking a positive turning point in her journey.
Passions beyond academics
Outside her rigorous academic schedule, Cindy relaxes by practicing Pilates, exploring Sydney on foot for fresh air, or visiting colleagues at her workplace for casual meals and conversation. One of her favourite unwinding activities includes spending time with puppies at pet shops, a delightful reminder of playful moments shared with her cousin’s energetic dog back home.
Valuable skills and tools from UOW
Among the highlights of her master’s program, Cindy values her exposure to Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, which equip her with critical skills in advanced analytics tools like SAS Viya and SQL. Inspired to expand her proficiency further, she plans to master additional analytics software such as Power BI and Tableau, confident these competencies will open numerous professional opportunities in data analysis and engineering roles.
Envisioning a career path
Actively engaged in job applications for analyst and data engineering positions, Cindy aims to secure professional experiences aligned closely with her studies, preferably in Australia—a country that has significantly enriched her academic and personal development. She seeks roles that will leverage the robust analytical and technical skills acquired throughout her journey at UOW.
Advice for future Business Analytics students
Cindy recommends prospective Business Analytics students thoroughly research the program, explore career possibilities, and take preparatory online courses to build foundational knowledge. Reviewing previous coursework or carefully consulting the program overview and elective options will maximize preparedness and success in the program.
Final words of encouragement
Cindy encourages her peers with heartfelt advice: “No matter how challenging the journey, never give up your dreams. Prioritize your health and maintain a balanced life to enhance productivity and motivation.”