For CQUniversity Digital Media student Kayla Johnson, taking her skills overseas was a deliberate step toward expanding her creative limits and refining her professional direction.

Although the placement has been a consistent offering within CQU’s Digital Media course for several years, promoted to students through her course coordinator, Kayla had never taken the leap herself. It wasn’t until graduation drew near that she recognised this as the right moment to go.

“I decided to go this time because it is my last year at uni,” Kayla explained. “I wanted to travel and gain experience so I could show off in my portfolio to future employers.”

Taking the initiative, Kayla joined a month-long Projects Abroad professional placement in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Working directly within international creative studios, she gained hands-on global experience and secured a focused trajectory for her future career.

Experience in international studios

During her placement, Kayla split her time between various distinct creative outfits. Rather than just doing practice assignments for a grade, she tackled real challenges for actual organizations and produced professional work.

At iCityFilms, Kayla worked on graphic design for the company’s Ogule brand, developing their existing brand guidelines further to keep visual identity consistent across platforms. Her work spanned creating merchandise mockups, designing eye-catching thumbnails for YouTube videos and Reels, and researching relevant topics to inform the brand’s social media content strategy.

She also partnered with Four Seasons magazine to produce a promotional video for BIPV Mongolia, a green housing initiative using specialised glass to combat severe winter air pollution. Kayla’s work soon reached a global stage. With BIPV Mongolia introducing their patented NETZERO Capsule & House at UNCCD COP17’s Business Day in Ulaanbaatar in August.

“I created a 90-second promotional video for BIPV Mongolia to help introduce BIPV glass and green housing,” Kayla said. “I really enjoyed this project, as I felt like I was contributing to a positive environmental change which can improve the lives of people living in Ulaanbaatar during the wintertime.”

Facilitating new career pathways

While Kayla entered the trip with a primary focus on graphic design and animation, watching real-world media production unfold in real time sparked a shift in her creative interests.

“During this trip, I witnessed a lot of content creation at iCityfilms and I used a lot of my video editing skills for the BIPV project,” Kayla explained. “This made me more interested in further developing my skills in this area.”

Beyond technical capabilities, the fast-paced environment provided Kayla with critical insights into workplace dynamics and team workflows, giving her the practical perspective needed to transition smoothly into the industry post-graduation.

“The biggest takeaway for me was just seeing how a workplace functions in terms of teamwork and how long it realistically takes to complete work,” she noted.

Building cross-cultural skills

Navigating a new professional landscape in East Asia presented unique communication challenges that ultimately broadened Kayla’s view of what is possible in her field.

“I think the most important skill I’ve learned from this trip is being able to work with anyone, even people who don’t speak the same language as me, but successfully working on a project together,” Kayla shared.

Equipped with a refreshed portfolio, cross-cultural competence, and practical video production experience, Kayla returned home with expanded horizons and newfound confidence in her international potential.
“My career goals remain the same, but working remotely to access international media opportunities definitely feels more possible for me than it did before.”

Kayla’s story is just one example of how stepping outside a familiar environment can reshape a student’s sense of what’s possible (professionally and personally!). Experiences like hers build the kind of confidence and adaptability that stay with students long after they return home.

How can you get involved?

If your school or college is looking for ways to offer students transformative opportunities like this, we’d love to help make it happen. Reach out to our partnerships team at [email protected] to learn more.

If you’re interested in a similar experience, explore our journalism opportunities in Mongolia to see how your students can get involved.