Julian Coleman graduated in 2016 with a degree in commerce, majoring in accounting. During his time at university, he was actively involved in student life, serving as an Events Rep in 2014 and later becoming the ResClub President in 2015. These leadership roles allowed him to connect with fellow students and cultivate a strong sense of community.
While there were fewer programs available when he was at Unihall, Julian participated in the Leadership Program, which he credits with having a significant impact on his personal and professional growth. He is aware that many new programs have since been introduced and wishes he could have taken advantage of them.
Today, Julian works in Enterprise Sales for Salesforce, a prominent cloud-based software company. In his role, he sells technology solutions to government clients, and he highlights the everyday relevance of Salesforce products—pointing out that if you've used the AusPost app, received support from the NDIS, or scheduled a COVID vaccination, you’ve interacted with their technology.
Reflecting on his time at Unihall, Julian emphasises that the sense of community was the best part of his college experience. He fondly remembers being able to sit at any table in the dining hall and feeling welcomed, as well as the mutual support among residents, regardless of how well they knew each other. This camaraderie fostered a sense of togetherness that enriched his university experience. Additionally, he appreciated the practical aspects of living in a walkable neighbourhood, which allowed him to easily access classes, the gym, work, and socialise with friends—all of which made his college years even more enjoyable.
Julian acknowledges that living on campus significantly impacted his career trajectory. While he achieved good grades, which are important for graduate school applications, he notes that in his professional life, no one has ever asked to see his transcripts. Instead, it was the leadership experiences he gained through ResClub, the Guild, and other clubs that opened doors and helped him excel in his current role.
For new residents, Julian offers valuable advice: “Get involved! Join every club, participate in challenges and hackathons, run for positions, and attend every event. Embrace the unpredictability of new experiences.” He emphasises that today’s university environment includes many students who engage primarily online, so those who immerse themselves in campus life will stand out. In conversations with fellow UWA alumni, Julian has found that no one has regretted being "too involved," while many who attended solely for classes often wished they had engaged more deeply in the community.