From ECU to FMG: How networking shaped Shazia's finance career

Hi, my name is Shazia and I'm originally from India. Like many others in India, I had dreams of moving overseas for a better future, and Australia was always a place I hoped to build that future. So my partner and I decided to take the leap and move here with our daughter. 

Once I knew I was coming to Australia, I spent a lot of time researching which city to study in. Perth stood out to me for a few important reasons. The course I wanted to take was offered here, and it felt like the right fit for what I was aiming to do in my career. As well as that, the cost of living in Perth seemed more manageable compared to some of the other cities, which was a big factor since we were moving as a family. And of course, the weather. The weather in Perth reminds me of home - not too extreme, but with lots of sunshine.

All of that combined made Perth feel like the right choice for us, and looking back now, I'm really glad we chose it. 

I studied a Master of Professional Accounting at Edith Cowan University. The education system in Australia is different to what I was used to back home, and it took a little while to adjust. Back in India, everything revolves around exams. But here, there's a strong focus on assignments, group work, and presentations, all of which actually help you understand the subject and prepare you for real-world situations. 

While I was studying, I started thinking about how to secure my first full-time job. I began by doing thorough research and reaching out to my teachers and alumni to understand how to find opportunities. StudyPerth became a key part of that journey. I explored their resources, attended career workshops, and participated in networking events they promoted. These platforms not only gave me insights into the local job market and hiring practices but also helped me connect with professionals in my field.

Networking through such initiatives gave me the confidence and exposure I needed to transition from a student to a working professional. 

From this, I got a part-time opportunity at Hotel Pan Pacific Perth as an Accounts Receivable Officer. It was my first experience in finance here in Australia. It was a temporary role, but it helped me understand the local work environment and gave me a much-needed confidence boost. 

Not long after that, I completed an internship at The Westin as part of my course. That experience built on what I had learned at Pan Pacific and gave me even more exposure to finance within the hospitality industry. 

Together, those two experiences played a big part in helping me land my first full-time role at Hyatt Regency as a Finance Officer. When I came across the job listing, I reached out directly to the Director of Finance on LinkedIn, introduced myself, and asked if I could be considered. That one message led to an interview and I got the job. 

I then moved into the construction industry by joining SRG Global as an Accounts Receivable Officer. By then, I had enough local experience that applying felt less daunting. 

That's when I set my sights on FMG. I realised how important it is to build genuine connections within the industry, so I made the effort to connect with professionals at Fortescue and learn more about their work culture and opportunities. Engaging with people in the industry helped me understand the kind of roles they offered and gave me valuable insights that ultimately led me to the right opportunity. Networking has played a huge role in my career growth, and that's how I landed my current role of Assistant Accountant at FMG. 

I've also recently started my CPA studies, which I hope will open even more doors in the future. 

One of the biggest things I appreciate about working here is the work-life balance.

It's something I didn't fully expect before coming, but it's made such a big difference. There is a real respect for personal time, There is a real respect for personal time, and that's something I value a lot, especially with a family. Perth offers me the perfect balance between a relaxed lifestyle and opportunities for career growth.

Moving to Perth has been truly life-changing. It may not be as fast-paced or flashy as cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but that's exactly what makes it special. It's a peaceful, welcoming place where you can really focus on your goals whether that's studying, working, or just enjoying the amazing quality of life. 

Perth has a way of growing on you. It may feel slow at first, but it never disappoints. If you're looking for a place where you can study, grow, and still enjoy a balanced lifestyle, I'd say go for it. 

I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey here and growing both professionally and personally in Perth. This experience has shaped me in so many ways, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to take that first step and consider Perth as their study destination.