A USC Bachelor of International Studies has prompted a North Lakes graduate to do more work for charities.

Sophie Ralston, 26, graduated from USC this month with the degree, which is designed to expand knowledge of human rights, public policy, and justice and security around the globe.

“The strong focus on humanitarian issues throughout my degree has made me more open-minded, understanding and empathetic, which has led me to do charitable work in my own time,” she said.

Sophie, who works in customer technical support at financial services company MasterCard, has also set her sights on global and domestic aid opportunities at MasterCard Foundation.

“There are a lot of underlying qualities from my degree, from improved management skills to believing in myself,” she said.

Originally from England, Sophie worked and travelled for a couple of years after completing school at North Lakes State College, before deciding to enrol at USC Sunshine Coast.

“I’d visited huge universities in Brisbane with friends and I was intimidated,” she said.

“USC had a relaxed atmosphere and I liked the humanitarian focus of this particular degree.

“The charm of the Sunshine Coast was prominent at USC and I loved its welcoming and comforting feel. I got to know lecturers as well as other students.”

Applications are open to study at USC, starting Semester 2. Details on how to apply can be found at www.usc.edu.au/learn