Where are you from, and what are you currently studying, or have you studied, and at which institution?
I’m from Shandong Province, Jian City in China. I recently graduated in April 2025 with a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from the University of South Australia.
What has your timeline in Adelaide looked like?
I arrived in Adelaide in 2020 after I completed high school in China. Moving overseas on my own was a big step, and the beginning was filled with challenges. In my second and third years, I became more active on campus. I joined the UniSA BOSS (Builders Organisation for Staff and Students) Club, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, and became a UniSA Academic Student Representative (ASR).
I also completed two industry internships through UniSA’s Career Hub, which gave me valuable hands-on experience and helped shape my career path. A major highlight came when I was nominated and later won the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) Future Leader Award. This truly motivated me to keep striving for excellence in a male-dominated field. Now, I’ve graduated, and I'm working as a Quantity Surveyor. I'm very excited for what lies ahead.
What motivated you to choose Adelaide over other Australian cities for your studies?
My parents knew someone who had studied in Adelaide, and believed, as I did, that Adelaide would be the perfect city for my education. It’s quiet, safe, and the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Australia. The city offers a peaceful environment, ideal for focusing on studies, with the ease of accessing beautiful parks and shops through public transportation, while offering a welcoming multicultural community.
Since moving to Adelaide, I’ve embraced a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Beyond managing my university studies and work, I discovered a passion for fitness and fell in love with going to the gym. Living in Adelaide has allowed me to prioritise both my physical and mental well-being, and it’s truly become a place where I can grow personally and professionally.
How did you select your course and institution, and what resources or support services have you found most helpful at your institution?
When it came time to choose a course and university, I was looking for something that would align with my strengths and interests. I’ve always been good with numbers, and I‘ve also always loved working with people. I also had a fascination with buildings since I was young.
When I arrived in Adelaide, I was interested in the architectural differences between Australia and China. That curiosity led me to explore construction as a career, and I decided to study Construction Management (Honours) at the University of South Australia. What stands out about UniSA’s Construction Management degree is its strong reputation and industry recognition. This gave me confidence that I was gaining a quality education aligned with real-world expectations.
My learning experience has also been incredibly practical and job-focused. Everything I’ve learned has felt relevant and applicable to what’s required in the workplace. The program covers a broad range of skill sets, which have equipped me with the confidence and capabilities to enter the industry feeling well-prepared.
Describe a moment when you felt truly at home in Adelaide.
The friendships I’ve built along the way are what have truly made Adelaide feel like home. Earlier in my studies, I faced challenges with communication during group assignments. I struggled to understand discussions and felt unsure about how to contribute. But my classmates were incredibly kind and supportive. We quickly all became friends, and that made the difference.
Group assignments, which once felt intimidating, turned into enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Working alongside people I trust and connect with has made my academic journey so much more meaningful and fun. I truly enjoyed the process and achieved amazing academic results with my friends.
If you were to take a friend on a day trip around Adelaide, where would you take them and why?
I’d definitely start with the Adelaide Central Market. It’s one of my absolute favourite places in the city. There’s such a variety of amazing food from different cultures. I’d take them around to try some of my favourite bites and enjoy the vibrant energy.
After that, we’d head to one of Adelaide’s beautiful beaches, like Glenelg or Henley. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset with a coffee or some ice cream in hand.
If it’s the Fringe Festival season during March, even better! It’s my favourite time of the year. The whole city comes alive with music, art, and energy. I’d take them to see a few shows or just walk around the city, enjoying the creative vibes and street performances. It’s such a fun way to experience the spirit of Adelaide.
What are your future aspirations?
Starting as a newbie who drove around to review construction sites, I’ve come a long way and feel much more confident in the industry now. I know there are still so many opportunities out there waiting for me to discover, especially through networking and building connections with people in the industry. I’m excited for the future and looking forward to trying out different roles to find where my true passion lies within construction management.
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