July 4, 2024

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Sayaka Kobayashi

Student spotlight: Sayaka Kobayashi

Meet Sayaka, a dedicated student from Japan, pursuing her Master’s in Human Resource Management at Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong (UOW). As she gears to finish up her course in Trimester 3, 2024, Sayaka shares insights into her student journey, highlighting her experiences and growth along the way.

From HR specialist to student

Before embarking on her studies, Sayaka worked as an HR specialist at a Japanese manufacturing firm, handling a range of HR functions. Responsible for revising her company’s performance management system, she realised she needed a stronger theoretical foundation to make better business decisions. UOW’s curriculum stood out for its balanced approach, blending theory with practical application, making it the ideal choice for her to apply the knowledge learnt in the business world.

Overcoming academic hurdles

Sayaka finds academic writing, including reflective writing and critical analysis challenging, particularly switching from Japanese to Australian standards. But she said with UOW’s strong support system—including writing courses and peer help—she managed to overcome these challenges. Her hard work earned her an "Outstanding Academic Achievement" award from the Dean, which gave her a big boost in motivation.

Experiences shaping personal & professional growth

When it comes to extracurricular activities, Sayaka  was excited to talk about her involvement in the “Ship for World Youth” program. This experience, organized by Swedish alumni and the Japanese government, was a game-changer for her, expanding her cultural perspectives and leadership skills. She also had a chance to work at an HR Tech start-up in Australia, which helped her apply what she’d learned in class and see the differences in work styles between Japan and Australia.

 Leadership through feedback

One of Sayaka’s standout achievements has been applying feedback principles in a group assignment for her Human Resource Development subject. This experience has reshaped her approach to leadership, shifting the focus toward providing meaningful feedback rather than just sharing ideas. It also expanded her understanding of the importance of intrinsic motivation and effective communication. She plans to bring these insights into her HR career to promote team success and continuous personal growth.

Balancing act: Time management and motivation

To stay motivated and on track, Sayaka’s found it helpful to clearly separate her study time from relaxation time. As she puts it, “It’s important to fully concentrate on studying during study time and fully enjoy downtime during relaxation time.” She’s learned that managing her capacity efficiently helps her balance her studies with other activities better.

Looking ahead: Career aspirations and beyond

After graduation, Sayaka hopes to pursue a career in HR, especially in Human Resource Development and Performance Management. She sees her degree from UOW as a valuable asset, particularly given the limited HRM study options back home in Japan. She’s also open to exploring international opportunities or even a PhD in the future, driven by her growing passion for continual learning.

Advice for future students: Strategic living

To fellow students, Sayaka has some great advice from her strategic management coursework: apply strategic thinking to both your studies and personal life. With a big smile, she says, “set realistic goals, understand your strengths, and manage your resources effectively”. She encourages students to make the most of university programs and networking opportunities to enrich your personal and professional growth.

Keep an eye out for Sayaka’s future achievements—her story is one of dedication and growth that’s truly inspiring!