Imagine starting your day with a lecture on international marketing concepts, then driving communications for a student council event, and later contributing to the UAE’s largest student business competition for your internship – all in a single day. That is a typical day in my life as a Curtin University Dubai student.
I am Vishakha Sharma, a Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in International Business and Marketing, an Outreach Marketing Intern, and the Sustainability Coordinator in the Student Council. Stepping into these roles transformed my student life. Each responsibility empowered me to grow into someone who enjoys learning, leading, and making a meaningful impact.
As the semesters progressed, I uncovered that balance is not about doing everything at once. It is about dedicating the right energy to the right task at the right time. I eventually developed a rhythm that works for me: dedicating 40% of my day to academics, 30% to my internship, and 30% to student leadership. This structure provides the space for each part of who I am becoming: the learner, the professional, and the leader.
What helped most was shifting my mindset from chasing perfection to driving progress. I started setting small, realistic goals – whether it was completing a specific assignment paragraph or drafting communication for a sustainability event. These small steps created the momentum needed to make every day feel purposeful.
Prioritising also became much easier once I learned to focus on urgency and impact. Instead of seeing shifts in my schedule as disruptions, I began seeing them as catalysts for growth, reminding me that success comes from staying adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
This journey taught me how powerful a supportive environment can be. Curtin Dubai has been central to my transformation. My professors are accessible and ready to guide me, and the campus community encourages students to explore leadership and industry-engaged learning. The Student Success Centre offered the academic guidance I needed to navigate complex tasks with confidence.
As everything united, I realised that every responsibility strengthened the others. My academic learning fueled my performance in my internship, and my internship sharpened my leadership skills. Each day felt more intentional and filled with opportunities to make tomorrow better.
5 lessons for future students:
- Break tasks into daily actions: Small wins drive natural progress.
- Prioritise with purpose: Focus on what moves you forward today.
- Stay flexible: Adaptability transforms challenges into opportunities.
- Ask for support: Mentors and the Student Success Centre are ready to empower you.
- Explore beyond the classroom: Internships build the confidence and real-world skills required for the jobs of the future.
Balancing academics, an internship, and leadership has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my journey. It taught me how to manage my time with confidence and explore new ways of contributing to my community.
If you are considering Curtin Dubai, embrace the journey. You do not need a perfect plan; you need the courage to begin and the patience to grow. Curtin Dubai helped me discover my path, and I hope it helps you do the same.
Discover your Curtin story at our upcoming Open Days – I would love to see you there!
Written by Vishakha Sharma, Class of 2026
