Becoming a data-driven financial leader

Freda Lin, Master of Business Analytics (Extension)

Where it all started

I was born in Shanghai to a traditional Chinese family, who believed education was the path to success. My parents always told me, “If you study hard, you will have a better future.” I believed them – but I also thought that if I was going to study hard, it had to be for something I truly enjoyed. At school, I discovered a love for mathematics and that passion led me to study finance at university – a field where I will get to work with numbers every day.

Working at the Big Four

It’s every finance graduate’s dream to start their career at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world which are Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG – also known as the Big Four. They each offer a comprehensive graduate program where you can work with well-known clients in a variety of roles. Getting a place in their graduate program is the start of an exciting career in the finance industry.

I was fortunate to be offered a graduate position at KPMG. I started working as an auditor, examining accounting and financial reports of big companies. It was fast-paced and demanding; requiring an understanding of internal control systems, financial reporting regulations and the latest industry trends.

But after a few years, I wanted to go beyond the numbers and learn more about the way businesses were run. Driven by curiosity, I joined Deloitte as their financial advisor, where I worked closely with clients to understand their business models, challenges and goals. Instead of just examining financial reports, I was helping them to solve real problems and shape better decisions.

That journey led me to Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. I joined as their Finance Business Partner. For the first time, I did not work with external clients. Instead, I focused on using financial insights to improve Alibaba's performance and drive growth. It was here that I discovered the power of technology and data.

I realised that finance skills alone weren't enough to capitalise on new opportunities. To create impact, I needed to understand the operations of other departments. I started learning about our e-commerce platform, software programming, data tracking and insights. To keep growing in a data-driven world I decided to pursue a master’s in business analytics.

Coming to Australia

I chose to study in Australia because it was close to home, yet full of opportunity. Australia offered a high quality of life - great weather, beautiful beaches and a multicultural society that made international students feel welcome.

The enrolment process at Kaplan Business School (KBS) is simple, and the flexibility allows me to work while studying. The Master of Business Analytics (Extension) course doesn't just focus on learning technical knowledge but on developing practical, real-world skills that I can use. My lecturers have helped me better understand data, spot meaningful patterns, apply analytical models to financial analysis and forecasting, and make evidence-based decisions.

I enjoy the learning environment. You’re encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and be open with your opinions. The more I speak up in class, the more confident I become. Back in China, I often hesitated asking questions, unsure if they were valid or good enough. At KBS, lecturers value every question and conversation.

There’s a first time for everything

At KBS, I have experienced many things for the first time that has helped me grow professionally. At the last graduation ceremony, I stepped in front of the camera for the first time to interview students. I asked them about their biggest highlights at KBS and their plans for the future. Hearing their stories and connecting with successful graduates has helped me strengthen my communication skills.

I am a peer mentor of 3 new students at KBS with whom I share study tips, career advice and lessons from my own work experience. I have also joined the student ambassador program where I help the campus team to organise events such as Wellness Week. I get to be involved in brainstorming activities, planning venues, managing budgets and coordinating resources.

Through volunteering opportunities like mentoring and the student ambassador program, I've been able to work closely with staff and give back to the campus community for the first time, and I have found it very rewarding.

My internship

When I arrived in Australia, I wanted to start building my career as soon as possible. In my first year at KBS, I applied for an academic internship through the Career Central team. I assumed it would take at least a month to hear back, but within 2 weeks, I had an interview with a firm called Polar 993. They offered me a paid internship, and when it ended, the firm kept me on as a fund accountant.

I am still learning how to balance study and work. It’s not easy – it takes discipline, strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks without getting distracted.

The lessons I’ve learned

Here are a few lessons I've learned so far in my career:

When deciding on what to study or what career to pursue, take the time to reflect on what you’re interested in and where your strengths lie.
If you’re considering a career in accounting or finance, you need to be comfortable working with numbers, able to communicate clearly, and capable of managing pressure - especially when deadlines are tight and client expectations are high.
Approach every task with purpose. Ask yourself: “Why does this task matter? How does it fit within the big picture? Will it have an impact on the business, or is there a better way to do it? Early in your career, these questions may seem challenging. But over time, you'll start applying what you’ve learned to similar situations with confidence and clarity.
Learn how to negotiate and compromise so that your business and your clients can meet their goals.
Always be open to feedback and be willing to improve.

My future

My long-term goal is to become a Chief Finance Officer of a global organisation, or I may start my own business.

Want to connect with Freda?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredasiqinlin/

Become a graduate in demand with our Master of Business Analytics (Extension). Step into a high-growth industry where you’ll make a big impact on business decisions.  