The University of New England School of Law is proud to share the inspiring journey of Brian Indradjaja, a dedicated alumnus who balanced his career in risk advisory and regulatory compliance while pursuing a Bachelor of Laws.
In this Q&A, Brian reflects on his motivations for studying law, his experiences as a part-time student through UNE’s flexible learning model, and the defining moments that shaped his studies. He also shares valuable insights into his professional achievements, challenges, and advice for current law students aiming for success both academically and in their careers.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Brian Indradjaja, and I come from Sydney. I came to study at UNE for my second degree, having previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Macquarie University some time ago. I was interested in studying law, and earning a law degree was important to me as most of my career has been in the field of risk advisory and regulatory compliance. I have primarily worked in professional services firms and am currently employed in an executive leadership role at one of the Big 4 firms.
What did you study at UNE, and do you have any defining memories from your university experience?
I studied a Bachelor of Laws (part-time) through a hybrid model and distance education. There are two defining memories I would like to share. Firstly, the great relationships I built throughout my degree with fellow students (now alumni), including our practical experiences during moot court, where we observed how real-life lawyers interact with judges during proceedings. Secondly, my final subject before graduating, LAW 499 – Technology and the Law, allowed me to apply practical real-life case studies from my current work to my legal research papers and assignments. I am also deeply appreciative of the guidance and support provided by Professor Michael Adams during my law degree, for which I am forever grateful.
What motivated you to study law?
My wife, who is a lawyer, continues to motivate me throughout my studies. We even studied together during the early part of my degree while she was completing a Master of Laws at another university. We often worked on assignments and research together on weekends. My career also motivated me to pursue a law degree, as I wanted to deepen my understanding of legislative changes and compliance frameworks across multiple industries. Having a law degree greatly supplements my day-to-day work in problem-solving and strategic decision-making while collaborating with clients.
Would you recommend studying at UNE and why?
I strongly recommend studying at UNE due to its excellent teaching materials and outstanding support from the academic staff. As someone who completed a second degree while working full-time, UNE was an excellent choice because of its flexible distance learning options and the ability to submit assignments online. I believe UNE is the best distance learning university in Australia, and I am proud to be one of its alumni.
Career and study-wise, what do you feel are your greatest achievements?
Academically, I am proud to have completed two bachelor’s degrees (a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws) as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with two of these degrees completed while working full-time. Career-wise, I have been fortunate to have great mentors and support throughout my professional journey, helping me reach my current position. I believe in staying coachable at all stages of a career, valuing both formal education and the lessons learned from mentors and leaders. I feel grateful and proud to have achieved an executive leadership position at a multinational professional services firm, and I am committed to continuing my journey onwards and upwards.
What is the most challenging part of your job, and how do you work through it?
Challenges present opportunities for growth, and as one of my mentors often says, "Life is a marathon." I strive to learn from every experience and make the most of every step. I approach challenges daily with a positive mindset, focusing on continuous improvement and staying resilient.
What advice would you give to current UNE law students?
Take the time to familiarise yourself with the university's resources, whether you are studying in person or via distance education. UNE offers a comprehensive academic ecosystem, including support from academic staff, research papers, case studies, and more. Make the most of these resources to learn as much as possible, work hard, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey alongside your fellow students and peers.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my wife and daughter, going on holidays, exploring culinary food adventures, and simply relaxing at home with my family. I also enjoy playing and watching sports such as basketball, cricket, and tennis. My passion for sports led me to complete an MBA in Sports Management a few years ago to better understand the business side of the industry.
