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Can you really go from no experience to becoming a leader just one year? When Akshath arrived in Perth, he had no local experience or connections, just a drive to learn and grow. Through Curtin Volunteers!, he found his footing, gained leadership skills, built a network and discovered a passion for working with people that’s now shaping his future career.
When Akshath first arrived in Perth to study his Master of Project Management, he had no local work experience, no contacts and no real sense of what student life at Curtin would be like. Now in his final semester, he’s juggling multiple part-time roles on campus, volunteering leadership, club involvement and is still managing to hit assignment deadlines.
After completing his undergrad in a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in India, Akshath moved straight into postgraduate study, opting to continue his learning journey rather than join the workforce immediately.
It wasn’t until the end of his first semester that Akshath found out about Curtin Volunteers! (CV!). A fellow student mentioned it, and it immediately caught his interest. He found that in India, volunteering is considered as a ‘one-off’ event, but in Australia it’s valued and seen as an experience. This difference in perspective was interesting to him, and he applied to be a leader.
After applying, Akshath was offered an interview and was accepted into the role of Program leader. Since then, he’s led five programs, including a standout experience volunteering with students at a primary school.
“It was my first time working with children, and it was such a different perspective. I just got to learn that how things work, how schools in Australia function. I understood different cultures, how teachers are very supportive and how children are very enthusiastic about their subjects.”
Akshath believes that volunteering has taught him a lot about leadership. Mainly, that leadership isn’t always about having a rigid plan. He’s learnt that sometimes things don’t go the way you expect. You have to adapt in the moment, make decisions and lead through uncertainty.
Being part of CV! also helped him land his first job on campus without even applying.
“One of the mentors at CV! recommended me for the role. That network made all the difference.”
Nearing graduation, Akshath is excited for the future. Looking back on his study in Australia, Akshath is proud of himself. He has found it difficult to navigate the semester, managing a newfound busyness. This semester, he finally got a part-time job that he was seeking, and volunteering has maintained its prominence in his schedule. He’s involved in other clubs, and is keeping up with his studies too!
“It’s been like a rollercoaster. A year ago, I had nothing going on. Now, I have so many opportunities and I’m really proud of that.”
His advice to future CV! leaders?
“Don’t be afraid. You’re not locked in, you get to choose the projects you want to work on and you’ll always be supported. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities might come from it.”
As he looks ahead, Akshath is focused on a career in leadership, not engineering. Through being a leader at CV!, he’s found that he is more of a people person.
With the confidence and experience he’s gained through CV!, there’s no doubt Akshath is well on his way.
Applications to become a CV! Leader in semester 2 are now open.
