Lizzie finds CQU traineeship opens up a world of possibilities

By Greg Chapman
New CQUniversity trainee Lizzie Newby is discovering a world of endless opportunities in higher education as part of the CQUGlobal Team within the International Directorate.

Lizzie is one of seven trainees to join CQU this year and she counts herself very lucky to have been awarded the role.

“I was freshly graduated with no qualifications or real experience, but I knew I wanted to start my professional career, I just didn’t know how or what to do to start that process,” she said.

When she heard about the available traineeships however, she jumped at the chance, at the very least hoping to obtain some interview experience.

“I was very surprised to receive a traineeship. I thought I had a good interview but there were so many applicants so I really couldn’t be sure. I was so happy though when it finally clicked that I got the job, jumping straight from high school to the real world is so daunting, so this traineeship made it feel a little less scary as it can lead to so many opportunities.”

Now just a couple of months into the traineeship Lizzie is relishing the role. 

“It’s always hard jumping into something you know nothing about, but I am really enjoying it in the CQUGlobal team and international directorate,” she said.

“It’s a fulfilling job as the topic is interesting to me and I get to help and inform students about studying abroad. I assess students’ program eligibility, work with partner universities, engage and promote CQUGlobal Learning Abroad programs at events as well as the usual tasks of emailing, and maintaining the office.

“I like how flexible the job is, I may be processing students or payments, but I am also engaging face-to-face, or creating promotional flyers, or learning about our partner universities. Even though it is a nine-to-five job it’s never a boring day.”

As for the future, Lizzie is happy to see where the traineeship takes her.

“I ideally want to stay in higher education. This traineeship gives me endless opportunities where I can do further study, or get a full-time position,” she said.

“Travel always interested me. Before getting this job, I wanted to be an air hostess and I had started to get necessary requirements. I also considered study within the medical field, like nursing – all I knew was that I wanted to help people and I knew I loved travel, so this job has in its unique way, fulfilled that.”

All trainees commenced their 12-month traineeship in March and will be supported by CQU and the Busy at Work program to complete their Certificate III in Business Administration. 

Explore opportunities to gain business qualifications with CQU's Business courses, from certificate to degree.