Bri-anne is designing a career through flexible learning.
Growing up in Sydney, Bri-anne Lake always pictured herself heading interstate for university, if she ended up going at all. But when the time came to choose, it was her mum who encouraged her to take a closer look at UTS.
“She told me UTS had one of the best programs for Indigenous students,” Bri-anne says. “And she was right.”
Why UTS?
At the heart of Bri-anne’s university experience is the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. For Bri-anne, this community, as she describes, is unlike anything she’s seen at other unis.
“There’s nothing like the Jumbunna,” she explains. “It’s a space where we feel connected and supported, where we can be around like-minded people. It's made me feel grounded and seen.”
The Institute plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social, cultural, and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, creating an inclusive environment where students can thrive.
Designing her own learning path
Now studying a Master of Information Technology (Extension), Bri-anne appreciates the flexible learning her course offers. With only a few core subjects to undertake, she’s free to tailor her learning to her interests and career goals.
Last semester, I studied data visualisation and IT protocols. This semester, I’m diving into cloud software engineering. Next sem? Maybe project management and cloud infrastructure. I feel like I’m building a practical toolkit for my career path.
Learning that matters
What Bri-anne values the most about studying at UTS is the practical, future-focused learning.
“There’s a lot of flexible learning, but we also get to tackle real-world problems. We’re not just learning theory, we’re problem-solving. Everything is geared toward what’s happening in the industry now and where it’s heading. It feels like we’re being empowered for what’s to come.”
Defying expectations
University wasn’t always on Bri-anne’s radar. She once doubted whether it was the right path for her. But choosing UTS helped her change that narrative.
“If you told me a few years ago that I’d be studying and working at UTS, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve pushed through each season, and I’ve surprised myself. I now realise how resilient I am. I’m also enjoying working for an organisation that has supported and inspired me along the way.”
Bri-anne Lake
Junior functional analyst at UTS
Her advice for future students
To other students, especially Indigenous students, Bri-anne shares this message:
“Don’t let who you are or what you identify as be a limit on your success. You deserve to take up space you believe in, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
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