Pursuing Fintech in Australia: Aishwarya's Journey

I’m Aishwarya Shreyakar and am currently a Business Development Representative at Zeller in Melbourne. I got into this line of work after my Master in Business from the Monash Business School, Australia. I spoke with Leap about my journey for their expert student series—Indians who had studied abroad recently and are still in that country pursuing their dreams—because I want to help others wanting to take the same career jump that I made.

Q: Tell us about your background?

I come from a city called Belgaum in Karnataka. My family isn't your typical academic-focused household - both my parents are entrepreneurs. My dad runs businesses in manufacturing, retail, and tourism, while my mom manages a furnishings business.

After completing my high school in science, I deliberately broke away from the traditional path. Unlike many of my peers who would automatically pursue engineering or medical studies, I chose a Bachelor's in Business Administration, specializing in supply chain and logistics management.

Q: Why study abroad in Australia?

I wanted to experience a new culture and wanted the exposure of an international city, while also growing personally. You have to do everything, from arranging your food to your laundry, nothing is given just because you exist, like it is at home, so I wanted that experience.

And I was incredibly strategic about my destination. The United States fell off my list because in India when you do a BBA or BCA, it's three years, and the US needs four years for you to do masters and plus work experience. Also I was scared due to reports of gun violence. The United Kingdom's gloomy weather didn't excite me, and Canada has such a large Indian diaspora, I just wanted to experience something new. Australia, specifically Melbourne, emerged as the perfect destination.

My brother was studying there too, which was comforting. And after speaking with him and doing a lot of research, I realized that Melbourne's multicultural environment was exactly what I was looking for, as I wanted to explore a different culture, not just move to another Indian community.

Q: How did you choose your university?

I selected Monash University, initially attracted by its ranking among the top 50 global universities worldwide. However, my experience quickly taught me that university rankings can be misleading.

Through extensive research and personal experience, I discovered that these rankings are often manipulated by magazines and publications. Course content, practical learning, and actual skill development matter far more than a number on a list.

Q: How much did it cost?

I invested a substantial AU$100,000 in my two-year Master's in International Business and Marketing degree. And when I went there initially, I was spending an additional AU$3,000-3,500 monthly, determined to experience everything Melbourne had to offer.

Q. How did you finance all of this?

I didn't ask my parents for money. I took an education loan, and worked multiple part-time and casual jobs - from guest service agent to bartender, retail worker, and marketing coordinator. The flexible work restrictions were fantastic tbh Australia has an incredibly high minimum wage, I was making 30-40 dollars doing these roles.

Q: Apart from money, how helpful were these jobs?

I obtained certifications like the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) to expand my employability. I learned to cook, manage my expenses, and become financially responsible. Currently, I spend around AU$2,000-$2,300 monthly, which covers my rent, bills, and personal expenses.

Q: How challenging was your job hunt after graduation?

It was an absolute rollercoaster. As an immigrant, I encountered lots of barriers - from pronunciation challenges with my name (Aishwarya is too difficult to pronounce for westerners!) to the lack of Australian work experience. But I was very aggressive with applying, I must’ve sent between 1,000 to 2,000 applications across various platforms.

Q: What was your job-hunting strategy?

My advice to students is to present yourself strategically. If you haven’t worked anywhere, especially for grad jobs, you will struggle a little bit. So one important thing is to focus on even the smallest work experience you might’ve had. If you’ve been a cashier at a local DMart for 2 weeks? Put that in!

And in terms of actual process for me, I printed resumes, handed them everywhere, and networked aggressively. My first full-time job was a nightmare of micromanagement, which I quit after two weeks. Within a month, I landed a Business Development Representative role in a FinTech company.

Q: How did you handle the emotional challenges of studying abroad?

Living alone in Australia was emotionally challenging. Coming from a deeply family-oriented culture in India, the transition tested my resilience. I witnessed how loneliness could lead some international students down destructive paths.

My approach was different though. I focused on meaningful experiences - exploring Melbourne's incredible coffee culture, using apps like Meetup to make genuine connections. I didn't drink, smoke, or party excessively. Instead, I invested time in personal growth and understanding a new culture.

Q: Would you recommend studying abroad to other Indian students?

Absolutely, but with caveats. Because my primary goal was never permanent residency but personal growth. This journey is about more than just a degree - it's about personal transformation and understanding yourself in a completely new context.

Even the base salary here, when you start in the industry, comes with a high disposable income. You can spend on experiences, save, do anything. But you have to be ready to do everything on your own, there’s no help: It’s you in a new place where no one knows you and you don’t know them, so come here only if you’re prepared emotionally and physically.