October 10, 2024

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Jair Alberto Villegas Ordóñez

Student spotlight: Jair Alberto Villegas Ordóñez

Jair recently completed his Master’s degree in Applied Finance with a double specialisation in Investing and Financial Services at the University of Wollongong (UOW) Sydney CBD Campus. From Colombia, Jair proudly says that he is from a city called Bucaramanga, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, history, and architecture.

A Journey from Columbia to UOW

Before embarking on his master’s degree, Jair studied International Business at Santo Tomás University in Bogotá.  During his internship at BBVA Colombia, one of the leading global banks, he gained valuable experience working across various departments, including Engineering and Business Development. As a Product Manager, he was involved in developing new digital products and lines of credit, which sparked his interest in finance.

Jair shares, “I wanted to delve deeper into the types of organisations within the industry, their roles and goals, while also gaining a thorough understanding of financial theories and their real-world applications.” This passion led him to pursue a Master of Applied Finance at UOW.

Favourite memories at UOW

When asked about his favourite memories at UOW, Jair shared two standout moments: the friendships he formed during his studies and the thrill of receiving his graduation notification. Another memorable moment was participating in the “International Day” event at Sydney CBD Campus, where he learnt about diverse cultures and tried different food.

Overcoming challenges

Jair faced notable challenges during his studies, particularly as he navigated finance in a language he had only recently mastered. The subject matter itself was entirely new to him. However, drawing on the determination instilled by his parents—who taught him that “you need to succeed in whatever goal you draw in your mind”—he approached these challenges with resilience. With a warm smile, he attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family and friends.

Career aspirations

Looking ahead, Jair shared with us his future career aspirations. With his postgraduate work visa recently obtained, he is focused on securing a position in the Australian banking industry, though he remains open to exploring other areas. His ultimate goal is to learn as much as possible about the Australian finance industry and to apply that knowledge to enhance the finance sector back in Colombia.

Industry insights

Jair has a strong interest in several industries, including banking, fintech, mortgage brokerage, insurance brokerage, personal financial advisory, real estate, and hedge funds. He noted that the banking and finance sectors currently place a high demand on data analysis and machine learning skills. However, he stressed the importance of complementing these technical skills with soft skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and resilience.

Job hunting tips

Jair found the GWP900 subject particularly helpful in understanding the Australian job market. He advises, “As international students, we must adapt to the country's labour market conditions and requirements, which necessitates thorough research in our field. Look for professional associations, regulators, and compliance entities in addition to the main job boards. This research will broaden your understanding of available opportunities.”

Advice to fellow peers

“Striking a balance between study, work, and life is essential. While we often discuss this, it’s important to act and make meaningful changes,” Jair claims with a grin. He also encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities and student events to build friendships and learn about different culture, to understand that they are not alone in their journeys. He believes that by participating in such activities, UOW can offer a wider variety of events and activities more frequently.