A place for students to learn, grow and transform
Western Sydney University is nurturing aspiring leaders and changemakers to learn, grow and transform as part of a dynamic program.
The Academy is an extracurricular leadership program open to driven undergraduate students which offers opportunities for personal and professional enrichment beyond their degree.
The interdisciplinary program focuses on developing students’ leadership abilities through creativity, critical thinking, and community impact.
Open to new and continuing students, Academy members can access unique opportunities including networking events, internships and mentoring with industry experts and international travel, as well as dedicated study and social spaces.
Previously completing a Bachelor of Commerce and working as an accountant, Dinusha Soo decided to pursue a creative career by studying a Bachelor of Design – Visual Communication (Dean’s Scholars) at the University’s Parramatta South campus.
Undertaking a Master of Research in 2024, Dinusha said the highlight of her university experience has been participating in extracurricular activities through the program.
“The Academy has been instrumental in me completing the Citizen Scholar Award, completing a mentorship with the Powerhouse, an internship with a prestigious design agency called Semi Permanent and attending the Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood project which was an eye-opening experience,” said Dinusha.
“Meeting new people because of The Academy, especially in my mentor program, has shown me that there are many possibilities available for my career.”
The funded national and international summits and study tours were one of the many benefits which appealed to Schofields resident Bayan Sohailee, who is finishing a Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Social Sciences, in addition to The Academy’s bespoke leadership degree, the Bachelor of Creative Leadership.
After completing a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) at Western in 2020, the Iranian refugee and first in his family to attend university wanted to further develop his skills, with a goal to work in the human rights space.
“Through The Academy and New Colombo Plan Scholarship I had the opportunity to travel for the first time ever to Taiwan and Vietnam which opened my eye to the possibilities that exist outside of Australia,” said Bayan.
“The Academy has played a significant role in my university experience, shaping me into the leader and student I am today, preparing me for my future career and life goals.”
Soaking up the student and staff connections while studying at Western’s Parramatta South and Kingswood campuses, Bayan encourages all eligible students to apply to join The Academy.
“The Academy fosters an environment that allows students from any discipline and staff to interact and network which allows you to gain insight into how the world works beyond textbooks and exams,” he said.
“If you are at Western and are not an Academy member, you are truly missing out, so I encourage everyone to apply and take advantage of this once in a lifetime program.”
With a new cohort set to begin, Dinusha echoed the sentiment that new students should delve into developing their skills and confidence with assistance from the program.
“New students starting at university should give things a go and start with a ‘yes’ attitude’. ’Yes’ to trying your best and say, ‘yes’ to opportunities that come your way,” said Dinusha.
“I would 100 per cent encourage people to apply to The Academy because you will get so many opportunities that are not necessarily open to all students, which will give you an edge.”
For more information, including about requirements and how to apply to become a member of The Academy, visit the website(opens in a new window).
ENDS
18 January 2024
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