Double celebration as inclusive career builds around ‘super-power’
Her studies at CQUniversity have helped shaped her career goals – now recent Business Management graduate Amanda Abeysinghe is determined to shape the journeys of countless more students.
The plan has developed in three big and busy years since Amanda moved from Sri Lanka to Melbourne, to take on her Master of Business Management (Human Resources) with CQU.
“My journey with CQU has truly shaped my life in Australia, and my career plans,” she explained.
“When I first arrived, I had no professional network, no references for a CV, and no idea how I would find my place in a new country – but I’ve had so many opportunities to grow.”
First joining the Campus Life Committee, then working across numerous campus and Student Representative Council (SRC) roles, the former lawyer and teacher is now a Student Adviser at CQU.
She has also been appointed as the Alumni representative on the SRC.
Her connections across CQU even delivered a double graduation – cheered on by her family visiting from Sri Lanka as she crossed the stage at the CQU Townsville event in April, then participating as mace bearer at the CQU Melbourne event in August.
“CQU gives students the unique opportunity to choose any graduation across Australia, and I chose Townsville so my family could travel to celebrate with me,” she said.
“One of my dear CQU mentors, Will Alderton, who has supported me from day one, also flew to Townsville to watch me graduate – then just as exciting, my manager Sam Sirsat asked me to have the incredible honour of serving as mace bearer, sitting on stage with my lecturers and academics, and watching my fellow graduates.
“It was such a full-circle moment and a truly unforgettable experience,” Amanda said.
“Through my studies, and leadership roles and involvement at CQU, I built a strong foundation not only academically, but also personally and professionally through the opportunities I embraced along the way,” she said.
“For instance, in my final term of studies, I chose the internship pathway and secured a role as an International Students Officer with City of Melbourne.
“Melanie Johnston and the Work-Integrated Learning team went the extra mile to communicate and coordinate with the City of Melbourne team, ensuring I could undertake this self-sourced internship in line with the module’s requirements.
“This experience was a kick-starter for my interest in a career in higher education, and I was later offered to continue full-time in the same role.”
Now Amanda is determined to help more international students find the belonging, connections and community that she’s created.
“I’ve observed that many don’t feel like their voices are heard and are often expected to just adapt,” she explained.
“I wanted to make the diversity in culture, experience and perspective that I bring, including my background in law, human resources and education into my ‘super-power’!” she said.
“Now my career goal is to combine my expertise and my education experience, to create inclusive, supportive systems where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
“I’ve always worked to be a voice for those who feel underrepresented, going the extra mile to ensure people feel seen, supported and included – and ultimately, I want my work to bridge cultures, open doors for others, and leave a lasting, positive impact.
“My student experience and now my career have been shaped by mentors and leaders who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. Their guidance and support have lifted me up and opened doors I could never have imagined – and I’m excited to pass on those opportunities to so many more international students.”
To learn more about study options in Melbourne and across Australia, visit CQU’s Study webpage.
