Nathan says STEPS was the right path to take
By Greg Chapman
After considering university was out of reach while he was at school, Nathan Atkinson’s decision to take a bold first ‘step’ into tertiary study ultimately helped him discover what he was capable of and find a career he is passionate about.
Nathan, who describes himself as an average student during high school, says that, at the time, university simply wasn’t something he saw in his future.
“I was never really an academic student at school, and I didn’t think university was for me, or that I necessarily had the capability to do it,” he said.
“But I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, and I came across CQUniversity’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.”
Nathan completed STEPS in Bundaberg in 2014, setting him on a path to a Bachelor of Business and ultimately a career in human resources.
“STEPS not only gave me the foundation to understand things like academic writing and referencing, it gave me a real thirst for learning,” Nathan said.
He said the support he received through STEPS gave him the confidence to realise he could succeed at university.
“When I got my first HD, I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“It completely changed the way I saw myself academically. I realised that with focus and hard work, I was capable of much more than I had given myself credit for.”
After completing STEPS, Nathan enrolled in a Bachelor of Business, where he developed an interest in human resources. He has since built a career in the profession and established his own Bundaberg-based business, Strategic Business Co.
“I completed my Bachelor of Business and then became certified through the Australian HR Institute as an HR practitioner,” he said.
“Very soon I’ll be going back to CQU to complete my MBA.
“CQU gave me my start. Now it’s up to me to keep building on it.”
Nathan encouraged anyone considering tertiary education, but questioning whether university is for them, to give STEPS a go.
“Don’t just say you’ll do it one day or keep thinking about it. That time is going to pass anyway.
“Take that first step now. You’ll thank yourself in five years’ time.”
2026 marks 40 years of CQUniversity’s STEPS pathway, which has helped thousands of students build the skills, confidence and foundations needed to pursue higher education. For four decades, STEPS has opened doors and helped make university study possible for people from many different backgrounds.
Learn more about CQU's STEPS program.
