The transition from student to working professional is shaped by ambition, experience, and the opportunities encountered along the way. For Arya Shah, a Bachelor of Commerce – International Business graduate, her time at Curtin University Dubai gave her the space to explore her interests and begin shaping a career around them.
Today, Arya is an MEA Operations Intern at Hilton’s Regional Office, while also building her presence in sports media through her social media account as a licensed creator: @arryashah, Arya’s experience reflects how academic learning and real-world exposure can come together to support diverse career pathways.
During her time at Curtin Dubai, Arya actively sought opportunities beyond her studies. When she identified the need for a creative outlet on campus, she took the initiative to establish the university’s Theatre Club. What followed were two full-scale productions that she led from concept to execution, an experience she describes as a “masterclass” in leadership. Managing teams, coordinating logistics, and making decisions under pressure helped her build confidence and practical skills that continue to shape her approach today.
Arya reflects that having the space to explore her interests at university made it feel “okay to take up space,” giving her the confidence to pursue opportunities she had not previously considered, including stepping in front of the camera as a presenter, where she now feels “completely at home.”
Her academic journey further strengthened this foundation. Dr Nidhi Sehgal, Head of School – Business and Humanities, highlights Arya’s “strong commitment to academic studies” and “intellectual curiosity,” both of which were supported through active mentorship. With encouragement from faculty, Arya participated in research competitions, where her team secured a second-place position at a regional forum. Dr Sehgal notes that this combination of “academic commitment and positive energy” reflects the qualities Curtin Dubai aims to nurture in its students.
Her move into the professional environment was supported through Curtin Dubai’s industry engagement initiatives. A hospitality field visit introduced Arya to the corporate setting at Hilton, where she now contributes to regional initiatives and leadership programs across more than 100 properties. Reflecting on this experience, Arya credits her ability to navigate these responsibilities to the “toolkit” she developed at Curtin, sharing that the university provided a “structure in which ambition could grow into something real.”
At the same time, Arya continues to explore opportunities in sports media, demonstrating how skills developed through her degree can transfer across different industries. Her ability to balance corporate responsibilities with creative pursuits reflects the adaptability encouraged throughout her time at Curtin Dubai.
Reflecting on her journey, Arya shares that success comes down to mindset and consistency. In her words, “Your degree is a foundation, not a ceiling. Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel unfamiliar, because that’s where you grow the most.”
At Curtin University Dubai, students are encouraged to explore their interests, take initiative, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Through academic guidance, cocurricular opportunities, and industry connections, the university supports its students in shaping their own career paths.
