2010 Scholarship winner Akshay Beerala pictured with Michael Kasprowicz.

Indian student Akshay Beerala won a prestigious scholarship to study at The University of Queensland, and after only one semester has already excelled in his academic study, undertaken an internship in the banking industry, and witnessed one of Brisbane’s largest natural disasters in more than 30 years.  

Akshay was awarded The University of Queensland Michael Kasprowicz scholarship that is available to Indian students and began his studies at UQ in July 2010.

After just one semester, Akshay was chosen with a select group of UQ students to take part in a three month Bank of Queensland (BoQ) internship over the summer vacation, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.

“I was recruited by BoQ into the Business Assistance Team as a Credit Analyst,” Akshay said.

“Having worked in the banking industry back in India, I was keen to gain experience in the Australian industry. We had a session with the CEO of the bank, and were updated on the bank’s history and future plans.

There are not many CEO’s in the world that would have fitted a meeting with interns in to their busy schedule!”

Having completed his undergraduate degree in the USA, Akshay chose to study his Masters degree at The University of Queensland because it ranks amongst the top 50 universities in the world and is among the top 5 percent of economics institutions worldwide.

The UQ School of Economics student said he believed that UQ had some of the best scholarships available to international students, and also offered a range of opportunities that enhance the study experience.   

“UQ has some of the world’s greatest minds as guest lecturers on campus, with Nobel Laureate and global economist Joseph Stiglitz presenting to students last semester,” Akshay said.

In between his internship and study, Akshay has found time to enjoy the Queensland lifestyle. He’s tried surfing at the Gold Coast, has attended an Ashes test match, and was in Brisbane for the recent floods, where he assisted the Bank of Queensland city office to become operational after the floodwater receded.

For Akshay, this proved to be a positive experience.

“The highlight for me in the short period I have spent at UQ and Brisbane was the camaraderie between the people of Brisbane during the massive floods that hit. It was a major natural disaster; and it was touching to see everyone in Brisbane helping each other during this very difficult time”.

As summer nears its end and Akshay enters into the final weeks of his internship, this Indian student is looking forward to what the rest of his studies at The University of Queensland will bring. Upon graduating from the BoQ internship program, Akshay has secured part-time work with them during the semester.

Courtesy: University of Queensland

For further information about the Michael Kasprowicz scholarship and study at The University of Queensland, please go to www.uq.edu.au/international.