Vancy Wen knows the challenges of starting afresh in a new country as an international student and has triumphed above them to create a life and career in Australia that's not only professionally rewarding, it fosters cross-cultural understanding between China and Australia. Now, through the Lucy Mentoring Program, Ms Wen is sharing her experiences with Macquarie University students.

Graduating with a Master of Advanced Professional Accounting in 2019, Ms Wen remembers being drawn to the professional accounting accreditations the master's offered. “When I enrolled, it included more accreditations than any other programs at Macquarie or any other major universities – this one postgraduate degree led to three professional qualifications."

“Its unique program included CPA Australia's professional segments, as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, allowing students to fast-track their postgraduate studies. But the highlight for me was the additional fast-tracked pathway to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), which offers exemptions for 14 units when pursuing the CIMA qualification after graduation.”

While studying, Ms Wen received a High Achiever Award, and her master's set her on the right path professionally too. “While I was studying, I gained an internship at global bank BNP Paribas, where I currently work as a Global Custody Account Manager.”

While it might sound like a straight path to success, the difficulties involved in trying to break into the workforce in a foreign country – and the disruption COVID caused to her plans – meant it wasn't always easy. “I first came to Australia in 2012 to do a Bachelor of Business at UTS,” remembers Ms Wen, who left her small town in Hunan Province, China, which is known for its rivers and mountains, and Taoist and Buddhist festivals.

“I grew up in a business and overseas-oriented family, where adventures and adaptability were second nature,” she says. “My mother, a tenacious businesswoman, took me on many business trips during my childhood, which shaped my worldview and inspired me to gain a global business acumen by studying in Australia.”

Between her undergraduate degree and her master's, Ms Wen took some time to build her confidence and language skills in Sydney before committing to full-time study again. “In 2018, while studying for my master”s, I started working full-time with BNP Paribas. It was a very busy time – I still remember the crowded evening peak-hour trips on the train to the North Ryde campus after work, and the naps I”d occasionally have on board!”

After graduating in 2019, with the pandemic looming, Ms Wen decided to return to China, where she stayed for almost three years. “It was much longer than I had anticipated,” she says, but it turned into an opportunity to be involved in the Hunan Provincial Association of Overseas Chinese Business, which has ties to businesses all around the world, including Australia.

It also forged a new direction for Ms Wen. “Witnessing the hardships society endured during the global health crisis drove me to launch a project called ESG Academy in 2020. I was passionate about instilling ESG (environmental, social and governance) values, particularly sustainability, into business practice in China and devoted myself to increasing my knowledge in this area, sharing my experiences and services.”

Ms Wen says she was highly influenced by her learning experience at Macquarie University when establishing ESG Academy, especially the Business and Professional Ethics and Contemporary Accounting Practice subjects, in which she had conducted research papers on ESG development and challenges in China.

Ms Wen's work with the ESG Academy has been recognised by multiple professional bodies, academic professors and business leaders, and she continues to lead the community of over 3,000 professionals in the ESG field in Greater China to achieve a better future.

Returning to Sydney in mid-2022, when she was quickly snapped up again by BNP Paribas, Ms Wen continued her career progress in custody operations and securities services while maintaining her involvement in bilateral business relations. She has been highly involved in the Australia–China Alumni Association (ACAA) and, at the end of 2024, won the Member's Choice Award – Judge's Commendation.

“My purpose is to serve the community,” explains Ms Wen. “This award motivates me to continually improve and refine my abilities in my mission. It has been a year of incredible personal and professional growth, which wouldn't have been possible without the support and guidance from my circle of mentors, colleagues, family and friends.”

Honouring her ongoing gratitude to and involvement with Macquarie University, Ms Wen has now turned her focus to supporting the Lucy Mentoring Program. “Mentoring turns the impossible into the possible – I've always been inspired by the phrase sharing is caring, and now it”s my turn to give back in this way."

“As an international student, I understand what others in a similar position are going through – from undertaking an academic journey with English as your second language to maintaining your mental wellness through the culture shock and loneliness of living abroad by yourself, and then overcoming the challenges of looking for a job after graduation. I hope to nurture the mentee, help them achieve their goals, and unlock their potential.”

Ms Wen also aims to help break down some of the barriers she experienced, while guiding her mentee to avoid some of the detours, traps and mistakes international students can often struggle with. “My focus is currently on helping my mentee with career advice, enhancing her resume and interview skills, and explaining how to find a job in Australia. I'm excited to go on this adventure with her and can't wait to watch her break some ceilings.”

The mentee's stories have also inspired Ms Wen to think differently and gain a deeper understanding of her own situation. “We have connected over the fact that both our mothers are businesswomen, and discussed the dilemma of whether to go home and support the family business or stay in Australia to pursue our own career development. It has been an interesting discussion.” says Ms Wen.

Hesitant to give broad advice as everyone”s situation is different, Ms Wen is however happy to share what has worked for her. “First and foremost, I would say to other international students, don”t be too hard on yourself. Many tend to underestimate the courage and hard work they have dedicated to studying abroad and living in another country on their own.”

She also says she has often witnessed international students being overly critical of themselves for not speaking English fluently enough or not feeling like they fit in. “I say, celebrate everything you've accomplished so far – you're becoming bilingual, or even trilingual, so just trust yourself. Grab every opportunity that knocks on your door, work to your strengths, and focus on connecting with other people. It will broaden your horizons.”

Vancy Wen's bio

Vancy Wen (Yuezi Wen) holds a Master of Advanced Professional Accounting (2019) from Macquarie University, where she received a High Achiever Award in 2017. She is currently a mentor in the Lucy Mentoring Program, reflecting her commitment to guiding other young international students through their early career.

As Global Custody Account Manager at BNP Paribas, she has a strong interest in ESG and is a CFA Institute Certificate holder in ESG Investing. Driven by a passion for finance that serves a greater good, she actively promotes sustainable and socially responsible practices within the banking and finance sector.

Since 2019, she has played a key role in fostering bilateral business cooperation between Australia and China as an Executive Member of the Hunan Provincial Association of Overseas Chinese. In 2024, her efforts were recognised with a Judge's Commendation in the Member”s Choice Award for her contributions to the Chinese–Australian community.