Peter Pledger

(BEngTech BBus - 2009, BEng – 2012, Distance (Rockhampton)

My degree has provided a foundation for me to move into other engineering roles and future opportunities with my employer – Ergon Energy. I have been working with Ergon Energy now for ten years, however I moved into an engineering role whilst I was studying towards my degree. I am now an Asset Planning Engineer, which involves the optimisation of capital projects. I completed an engineering thesis investigating impacts of Renewable Energy in Isolated Power Systems in regional Queensland in 2012 and was the recipient of the CQUniversity Divisional Medal in 2013.

Pip Hindmarsh

(B.Accounting, Distance (Rockhampton), 2012)

I always wanted to study externally so I would be able to work at the same time. CQUniversity was able to provide me with the support to be able to continue to work whilst studying but also gave me access to the campus facilities when needed. In my final year of study I was fortunate enough to gain an Undergraduate Accountant role at Aurizon. After completing my studies I moved into their Graduate Program, which provides development opportunities as well as an in depth look at the whole industry we work in.  I have now taken on a permanent Financial Analyst position. Through my employment with Aurizon I have been selected to represent the company in the 2013 Cambodia Leadership Challenge. This challenge involves cycling 300 km over six days and teaching financial literacy and savings to Cambodian communities and schools. As part of the challenge I am raising funds for the CUFA Cambodian Children’s Financial Literacy Program as well as connecting three individuals or businesses with three Village Entrepreneurs. This once in a life time opportunity that Aurizon and Railways Credit Union have given me combines two passions of mine; cycling and finance.

Mary Butterworth

(B.Nursing, Distance (Mackay), 2011)

Since leaving University I have had many offers of positions in nursing. I chose to stay with my employer, a local private surgeon who I now also assist in theatre. The work with him is varied and interesting as I have autonomous position in educating clients in preparation for their operation as well as taking an active part in their outpatient aftercare. I also continue to survey general practices for accreditation which have done now for over 10 years. I also accepted a position in general practice as a practice nurse providing education and help to practice patients. All in all I have a very variable career and am lucky to be able to pick and choose what I do and when I do it.

Kellie West

(B. Science (Psychology), Rockhampton, 2010)

Kellie graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, exiting from the program before honours year after deciding to study medicine. She is now undertaking a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at Sydney University. Kellie said, “Although psychology isn't the most logical background for medicine I have found my education from CQUni very useful, to my delight. Psychology comes into medicine in strange and unexpected ways. Also the CQUni staff who I visited were so helpful and accommodating when I told them about my plans. They helped me choose and enrol in biology, chemistry and biomedical electives. Needless to say, the advice I received was such an amazing help, so I wanted to say thank you to the uni as you have set me up in good stead”.

Kellie took an opportunity to volunteer for the organisation "Unite for Sight" in the Crystal Eye Clinic in Accra, Ghana. Kellie  says that “Unite for Sight” is a fantastic charity, which helps restore sight to people in need. This is done in a sustainable way by providing money and manpower to assist local healthcare professionals.

Kellie says she is a proud CQUniversity graduate and a Rockhampton local, and she wants to become the best she can be so that she can represent to the world her home community, including the University which is so much a part of her town and her life.

Engin Yarba

(Grad.Dip Mgt 2003, M. Bus Admin 2005, M. IT 2005)

After I completed my bachelor degree (in Mechanical Engineering) in Istanbul, I enrolled in CQU Sydney campus for my post graduate studies. I completed a Graduate Diploma of Management (2003), Master of Business Administration (2005) and also Master of Information Systems (2005).

A little after my graduation (and a holiday!) I started working as a Microsoft Consultant at Professional Advantage, Sydney. I worked there for 4 years. I then returned to my home country and worked as a Business Development Manager. I now work as the General Manager of an engineering company in Turkey. 

Angelo Conway

(B. Business, Rockhampton, 2008)
Owner / Designer – Conway Creative

After completing a Marketing major, Angelo gained industry experience by  working in a local firm for about two years. He then developed his own business, Conway Creative, specialising in design work, as well as print and marketing services. Much of Angelo’s current work involves creating logos and websites for businesses and organisations, however, he can also bring his creative talents to original artworks, including portraits and caricatures.  Angelo’s studies in business gave him the broad knowledge to start his own business, as well as the technical expertise to specialise in marketing and multimedia.

Wasif Ahmed

(Grad.Dip.Mgmt, Sydney, 2006)
Descon Engineering

Wasif studied at CQUniversity Sydney Campus. He had nearly 9 years work experience when he commenced his post-graduate studies, so he found that the real value for him came from access to faculty staff, the latest books and research methods, class interaction, and research assignments. Wasif’s studies helped him in a variety of ways, including problem-solving, understanding concepts in-depth, soft skills, and improved business communication skills. He says it also gave him more confidence in competing in international business. On the basis of his internationally recognized GDM from CQU he successfully applied for a job in Descon Engineering Limited, Pakistan, in 2007, as Senior Commercial Officer. Now, he is based in Abu Dhabi, working in Supply Chain Management as In-charge Logistics & Project Support. In the future, he is planning to start up his own business in international trade.

Luci Mallick

(Master of Business Administration, Sydney, 2010)

I completed MBA in Human Resources in November 2010. In these 2 years of study, CQU helped me in several ways. The professors were very helpful and friendly. Since I was from an Arts background initially I had certain troubles with a few courses. Thanks to Sujatha Sridhar, Harpreet Kaur, Daniel Firnpong, Tanya Hani, Andy Kelly and so on for their support. Anytime I sent them emails regarding doubts I had, I was answered within a few hours. Not only in terms of academics but I have received tremendous help from the Administration staff and also from student advisors like Shanzi and Nicolene. When I had some mental stress I was even provided councillors by CQU (free of cost). Staff of the Learning Support Unit also assisted me to enrich and improve my writing skills. Even the warm greetings with a smile from the security staff made me feel great.  If ever I get a chance I would love to thank everyone of CQU for imparting such knowledge and education to me. I am really looking forward for doing a PhD maybe within the next few months!

Dean Deighton

(Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 1998)

Dean is currently the Commercial Director for the TAFE Queensland Regional Network. In this role Dean oversees the strategic commercial opportunities of the 6 Regional TAFE Institutes across Queensland (Tropical North / Mt.Isa /Barrier Reef /Central Queensland / Wide Bay and Southern Queensland) and their 48 campuses. Dean is responsible for the local, regional, national and international business growth of the network. Prior to his role in Government, Dean had been the General Manager (North) for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, the Commercial Manager for Adelaide United Football Club (Football/Soccer) and the Sponsorship and Brand Manager for the North Queensland Cowboys National Rugby League. Dean has also worked in the National Basketball League (NBL), Professional Motor Racing and managed his own Sports Consultancy business. Dean is a strategic marketing, business development and sales lead specialist.

Upon graduating from CQU as a distance education student ( Dean undertook his external studies full time ), Dean was able to take his marketing and business development career to a new level, and achieved the official recognition of CPM ( Certified Practising Marketer ) in 2002.

Nina Curtis-Gee

(Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Business, Rockhampton, 2009)
Community Awareness and Education Officer, CQLGA

Nina completed her degrees over a 10 year timeframe, studying part-time while travelling, working and having a family. During her final year Professional Communication Project, Nina’s lecturer recognised her academic excellence and recommended her for a temporary position at the Central Queensland Local Government Association, delivering a community education project about Local Government Recycling initiatives. That job turned into a full-time role, with Nina being responsible for developing and delivering Information Sessions and related collateral into schools, community groups and local government institutions. Nina acknowledges that her study at CQUniversity was instrumental in linking her to a fun and fulfilling role.

Zeeshan Latif

(Bachelor of Information Technology, Melbourne, 2002)
Senior Network and Security Engineer

Before joining CQUniversity, Zeeshan was a student at another university in Australia. During his first semester at that university, he realised he was not satisfied with the way students were dealt with, so after looking at a variety of Australian Universities, he transferred to CQUniversity. He wanted his studies in Australia to be an Experience! Something he will cherish in life.

At CQUniversity, Zeeshan found the personal touch from the faculty, the lecturers & the tutors which helps any student to prosper. Zeeshan says that from the day he joined CQU till the day he walked across the stage as his graduation ceremony, he received nothing but the best. Zeeshan is now a Senior Network & Security Engineer. He studied Information Technology with majors in Networks. Since the start of his career, he has been constantly upgrading his education according to the required market which helped him to achieve the level of expertise he has today.

Amanda Henderson

(B. Learning Design, Rockhampton, 2007)
CQUniversity, Faculty of Arts, Business Informatics and Education

When Amanda's oldest son started his university studies, Amanda also took up study - she was looking for a self-paced course she could fit in around part-time work, and caring for her children. While undertaking her Bachelor of Learning Design, Amanda was awarded a Commonwealth Learning Scholarship and also received the 'Faculty of Education and Creative Arts' - Rockhampton Community Service Club Prize - Education and Creative Arts. Amanda found the scholarship was instrumental in helping her afford books and other university expenses. She graduated with Distinction, and accepted a position at CQUniversity as a casual tutor/Lecturer in the School of Education specifically in VET education. In the past twelve months, she has been working on a special project with the school of Commerce and Law, which in the long term will help increase the retention rate of students in their first year of study.

Mohammad Alam

(Master of Information Systems, Melbourne, 2005)
Senior Systems Engineer - SpecSavers 

Mohammad Alam finished his Masters in Information systems from CQUniversity Melbourne campus and graduated in 2005. Soon after graduation, he was appointed full time at Specsavers Pty as an IT Technical Analyst.

Within one year he was promoted to Senior IT Technical Analyst . Mohammad feels that all the knowledge he gathered from CQUniversity helped him to demonstrate his capabilities for the role. He is now the Senior Systems Engineer for the Infrastructure Department, with responsibility for looking after the Systems Engineers team.