How to build a career in international development

Getting a low ATAR didn't stop Kelei Deng from following her passion and achieving her career goals.

Kelei’s story is all too familiar. Feeling pressured to get the perfect ATAR, she worked her heart out in year 12 only to be crushed by disappointing results.

Picking herself up, she considered, “Now what? What do I do with my life?” A friend pointed her in the direction of the Foundation Studies program. Seizing the opportunity to get back on her career path, she enrolled in the four-month entry program at Flinders University and set sights on getting into a Bachelor of Arts majoring in creative writing and screen and media.

"It’s not about how many times you fall down; it’s about how many times you get back up," says Kelei.

But after starting her university journey, Kelei has found herself drawn to a new career path. "I really want to do something that will allow me to contribute to the issues going on around the world, especially in the global south (developing nations)."

Thanks to her valuable Foundation Studies skills, Kelei easily changed her degree choice, focusing on her true passion of international relations and business. With her eyes set on international development, Kelei continues to build on her own firm foundation that will set her up for success in a new career—wherever it may take her.

Being new to university life, Kelei has taken advantage of the help available to her as a Flinders student.

"The study support offered from the Flinders Student Learning Centre, and the personal support from the University’s health and counselling services, has been wonderful. It just goes to show, with the right help and a little faith, you can achieve your goals."

Find out how you can shape your career with Flinders.

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