At times it can be hard to imagine getting to, and then past graduation. To help you through your university days, we asked a few graduates (also known as alumni) for advice on how to get where you want to be – these are a few of their responses.
For more advice on your study journey, read the ‘What I Wish I Knew’ brochure.
Utilise your industry placements: “In my first industry placement, I had the privilege of working with some exceptional engineers who were experts in their field. They supported and mentored me and had a passion for teaching. It inspired me to become the best that I could be, to one day become an engineer like that. I now work at that same company and look after that same department and the 103 staff that work in it.”
- Blake Harvey (BEng(Co-op), 2005), 2014 CQUniversity Young Alumnus of the Year, Manager (Network Strategy and Policy), Ergon Energy
“Rise to the challenge: “At one point during my Honours year, my supervisor advised me that I was capable of better work. When I advised her that I was doing my best she advised me that I had more to give and that I had to dig deeper. She threw out a challenge and invited me to respond. Her faith in me was rewarded with me being awarded the University Medal.”
- John McGrath (BA(Hons), 2009), Associate Lecturer, CQUniversity
“Try to build good contacts and if you can, get some volunteer/part time/casual work experience before you finish your study. It gives employers a good vibe and it’ll help you understand the learning in practice.”
- Rumi Bhuiyan (BAcct, 2012), CEO & Managing Director, Six Bangla Communications Ltd
“Contacts and relationships with local businesses through CQUniversity – then and now. I now work as manager of a local team of engineers, designers and drafters for a respected engineer I did some vacation work for in my last year of study – how the wheel turns…’
- Chris Shields (BEng(Co-op), 2004) 2013 CQUniversity Young Alumnus of the Year, Manager, Calibre Consulting
‘Strive to be the best you can be. I was on placement in my third year and witnessed a cardiac arrest of a young mother. The mother’s life was saved by skilled clinicians and ever since, I have strived to become the best I can be.’
- Danielle Kauschke (BN, 2014), Registered Nurse, Mackay Base Hospital
GET ADVICE, COACHING AND CAREER PREPARATION
Remember, whatever your journey through your studies, more than 100,000 CQUni graduates have been in similar situations – and through the CQUni alumni bond, they’re willing to lend you a helping hand. You can learn from experienced professionals in your industry: sign up for alumni-student mentoring.
