“I believe empathy and insight are essential qualities for a marketer because great marketing isn’t just about selling products—it’s about understanding people.”
For Chinese student Tingting, marketing is a way of understanding how people think and make decisions. Behind every product, brand and purchase, she sees a story about human behaviour.
Driven by this curiosity, Tingting chose to pursue a She saw the degree as an opportunity to not only deepen her understanding of consumer behaviour, but to build the skills needed to create meaningful connections between businesses and their audiences.
“The course combines marketing theory with practical business applications, helping me understand how organisations create value and build meaningful relationships with customers.”
For Tingting, Flinders offered everything she was looking for in a university, from a practical, career-focused Tier 1 MBA Course, to a supportive learning environment that would help her thrive.
Discovering a passion for marketing in practice
As she has delved deeper into her studies, Tingting has become even more fascinated by the different areas of marketing, with her favourite subject being Marketing in a Digital Age.
“Every topic has helped me see marketing from a completely new perspective. The more I learn, the more fascinated I become,” she says.
Although an industry placement occurs later in her course, she has already had a variety of practical learning experiences through business simulations, group projects, presentations and real-world case studies.
“One of the most memorable experiences was participating in a marketing simulation, where my team had to make strategic decisions based on changing market conditions. It helped me develop problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making skills while applying marketing concepts in a realistic business environment,” she says.
Flinders University’s MBA is delivered at the Flinders City Campus in the heart of Adelaide’s business district. This location not only places students at the centre of industry and opportunity but also offers the convenience of a central city location, with shops, restaurants, events and public transport right on its doorstep.
“The campus is directly opposite Adelaide Railway Station and close to tram and bus stops, making commuting very easy. Being located in the city also means cafés, restaurants, shopping centres and other facilities are all within walking distance.”
Finding support, connection and a sense of belonging
While studying an MBA has equipped her with the skills needed for a career in marketing, Tingting says it is the encouragement and support she has received at Flinders that has had the greatest impact on her journey.
“Since starting my studies, I’ve found that the lecturers genuinely care about students and are always willing to help, which has made my learning experience very rewarding. Their support has helped me adapt to studying in Australia much more quickly. They have not only been excellent teachers but also mentors who have inspired my growth and confidence,” she says.
Flinders’ supportive environment helped make Tingting’s transition to life and study in Australia more seamless. Through dedicated international student support, meaningful connections with her lecturers and friendships formed on campus, she quickly found a strong sense of belonging within the Flinders community.
“One of the most rewarding parts of studying at Flinders has been meeting people from all over the world. My friends come from Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Colombia. Even though we come from different backgrounds, we support one another, learn from one another and make Australia feel like home,” she says.
Looking ahead: a future in brand marketing
With her MBA studies well underway, Tingting is already thinking about the next step in her journey.
She hopes to pursue a career in brand marketing, helping businesses create meaningful connections with their audiences while continuing to develop her skills in an ever-evolving industry.
“What excites me most is building meaningful brands that people genuinely connect with. I believe branding is about shaping how people perceive a company and creating experiences that inspire trust and emotional connection,” she says.
At Flinders Business School, students benefit from industry-informed courses that combine practical learning with personalised support. For international students like Tingting, it’s an opportunity to gain the skills, confidence and real-world experience needed to succeed in a global business environment.
“If you’re looking for a university where you’ll receive genuine support while developing practical business skills, I would highly recommend Flinders University. It has helped me grow academically, professionally and personally, and I believe it is an excellent choice for international students,” she says.