June 10, 2025
Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Kirupa Ranjani Venkatesh
Student spotlight: Kirupa Ranjani Venkatesh
Meet Kirupa, a determined and reflective finance student from India who shares her academic journey, experiences living away from home, and how taking chances outside her comfort zone has shaped her postgraduate life at .
From Pondicherry to Sydney: A journey driven by curiosity
Kirupa Ranjani Venkatesh hails from the serene coastal town of Pondicherry in southern India. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Chennai, her academic journey led her to the 精东传媒 of 精东传媒’s Sydney CBD campus, where she is currently pursuing a . Now in her second trimester, Kirupa is motivated by a desire to deepen her understanding of finance and explore the possibilities it holds—both academically and professionally.
Finding purpose through challenge
After graduation, Kirupa took a gap year to prepare for the Reserve Bank of India Grade B examination—one of the most competitive exams in India. Although she didn’t clear the final cutoff, the experience left a lasting impact. “It demanded discipline, focus, and mental endurance,” she shares. “That phase changed me. It made me realise how much I enjoyed the learning process itself.”
It was this self-discovery that nudged her to pursue a master’s degree abroad. She chose UOW for the opportunity to challenge herself in a new academic environment and refine her expertise in finance through a global lens.
Balancing study, work, and life in a new country
Adjusting to life in Sydney has been a learning curve. Kirupa has found creative ways to manage her time—watching lectures during long train rides, making phone calls while cooking, and cutting back on social media. “I had to let go of distractions,” she says. “Having a structured routine, even when it feels repetitive, keeps me grounded.”
Emotional connection to home is equally important. Daily calls with family and friends have helped her stay emotionally steady, even when things get hectic.
Discovering growth beyond the comfort zone
Although naturally introverted, Kirupa made a point to attend social events and campus meetups—pushing herself to engage in unfamiliar settings. “It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary,” she admits.
Her favourite part of student life has been the diversity at UOW. “I’ve met people from so many different backgrounds—each with their own stories. I’ve learned as much from them as I have from my coursework.”
Professional growth through a hands-on role
Kirupa works part-time as an administrative assistant in a factory. Far from a typical desk job, her role allows her to engage in various aspects of the business—from filing government documents and preparing reports to communicating with clients and coordinating operations.
“Working in a smaller company means I get to do a bit of everything,” she explains. “It’s made me more adaptable, sharpened my communication skills, and given me a realistic view of how businesses function on the ground.”
Support and belonging through peer mentoring
While she has just joined the Business International Peer Mentoring Network (BIPMN) as a mentor, Kirupa reflects fondly on her own experience as a mentee.
“In the beginning, I felt overwhelmed being in a new place,” she recalls. “But my mentor truly helped me feel seen and supported.” That one-on-one connection eased her transition, both emotionally and academically, and left her excited to pay it forward as a mentor herself.
A future rooted in research
Post-graduation, Kirupa aims to step into a Financial Analyst role to gain hands-on industry experience. However, her long-term vision points toward academia. “I want to pursue a PhD in Finance—ideally at UOW,” she says. “I’m drawn to research, to studying and understanding things in depth.” Her goal is to contribute to the field not just as a practitioner, but as a scholar committed to advancing financial knowledge.
Words of encouragement for fellow students
Kirupa leaves her peers with thoughtful encouragement:
“Real growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Even if things feel intimidating at first, say yes. Take the leap. We’re all already halfway there just by showing up.”