Eric Ho, originally from Singapore, is clearly a man who knows how to combine hard work and fun.

Two years after starting a Bachelor of Computing and Multimedia at the University of South Australia, he was offered a coveted scholarship with the UniSA Business Information System (BIS) Cooperative Program.

So he changed to a Bachelor of Business Information System and then did his Masters – and gained such extensive knowledge and skills that he’s now employed full time at the University. 

“The BIS program not only teaches you things from the textbooks but also provides real-world employment experiences – it includes the scholarship and three invaluable industry placements,” says Eric. 

“I am now the Business Analyst – Data Management at the university. I coordinate university reporting requirements on student system data. I also investigate, identify, develop and roll out standard reports to the University community using business intelligence reporting tools.” 

That’s hard work part. Here’s the fun bit: during his years of study, Eric lived with seven other students in a large share house located near the University of South Australia’s Magill campus, in the leafy eastern suburbs of Adelaide. 

“Most of us were from different countries – we eat, live, play, study together like a big family … it was really fun, and it was just one minute’s walk to campus!” he says. 

“The best thing about Adelaide is that it’s not a big city and thus convenience … it’s a 20-minute city as some people say: 20 mins to the hills, 20 mins to the city, 20 mins to the beaches. Not forgetting the wonderful people and lovely weather.” 

“There are also many nice restaurants here and they serve good food. Besides that I like hanging out with friends, going to movies, coffee and karaoke!” 

When he wasn’t studying or practising his karaoke skills, Eric worked part-time as a UniSA international student guide and later ran tutorials and practical classes at the University. 

So where to from here? Eric’s goal is to become an expert or professional consultant in the Business Analysis field. To accomplish this, he is prepared to take up challenging roles in business operations and thus gain experiences and learn different aspects of business strategies. 

On the weekends there’s sure to be a little fun with friends and family too.