As Vocational Sales Consultant for CQUni’s VET Operations and Growth Division, Marzieh Nowrouz Tafreshi’s primary role is to engage with local business and industry to help them meet their vocational training needs. Just six months in to the role at the Rockhampton City Campus, Marzieh also works closely with the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences and the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences to create new connections with stakeholders.
What was a recent highlight in your life?
The most recent highlight of my life was discovering Airlie Beach. As I was born in Sydney and have spent the last 14 years of my life in Canberra, studying and working, I had not heard of Airlie Beach. It was a highlight, because it made me appreciate how beautiful Australia is.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
I love working for CQUniversity. We have fantastic support and access to talented people who often become mentors. I feel as though I am part of a community working here. As I am in business development, I am constantly speaking to industry, and everyone I have spoken to has positive things to say about CQUni.
Who has made an impact on your life? Why?
My mum is such an inspiration. It is because of her, that I work hard and try my best at everything. She chose to study nursing instead of interior design to move out of the Philippines, and was a handful of people accepted into a nursing program in Germany to work as a nurse. She applied to over 100 hospitals in Australia and was finally accepted into Cowra Hospital. From there, she moved to Sydney and married my father; dedicating over 28 years to Hornsby Hospital. I think it is inspirational that she has gone from living in a village, to working hard to send her siblings to university (as her parents couldn’t afford to educate their 10 children), to moving to Germany, owning three homes and travelling the world. Although she now has Alzheimer’s at the age of 64, I am comforted knowing that she has lived a bigger life than most people.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
As I am adventurous, when I am not at work, I like to travel, go to the beach, explore places to eat and attend events.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would save all the vulnerable animals by increasing the penalty for animal cruelty. When I retire, I want to open up an animal shelter to ensure that animals receive the best care and can be as happy as possible.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
I live by the three below phrases: work hard and do your best at everything; dance like nobody is watching; and be nice to people as you never know what Karma will do to you.
Which country in the world would you most like to visit?
At the moment I am planning to go to America to go to Disneyland, but I would also like to go to Borneo, Greece, Fiji and Thailand.
What do you love most about your role?
I love the fact that in my role I have the opportunity to see parts of Australia that I have never seen. For example, last week I travelled to Emerald. I also love working with different people. In my role, I have met CEOs, managers, directors, leaders etc. all with fascinating backgrounds and stories of strength and resilience.
