A door opened to a life-changing future
More than 30 years after taking a chance on university through CQUniversity’s STEPS program, Michelle Costanzo has built a career spanning psychology, executive leadership and consultancy – and inspired her daughter to follow her own educational journey.
When Michelle failed her university entrance examination in 1995, she could have accepted that university was beyond her reach.
Instead, she found another way forward through CQUniversity’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.
“I was 26 years old. I had recently left a five-year marriage and was raising my three-year-old daughter as a single mum. I had left school in Year 10. I had very little confidence in myself, but I had an overwhelming determination to change the direction of our lives,” Michelle explained.
After struggling with the mathematics component of the application process, Michelle requested an interview with a professor to explain why she was so determined to pursue further education.
Her persistence paid off, and she was accepted into the program.
“I will never forget starting the program,” she said.
“In one of my first computer classes, I sat quietly crying because I did not even know how to turn the computer on. The lecturer noticed me and asked what was wrong. I told her the truth: I simply did not know what to do.”
Rather than allowing that moment to define her, she sought help from her lecturer, who showed her where to access the support she needed.
“I think about that 26-year-old now and realise just how daunting that beginning was. I certainly did not arrive at STEPS with all the skills I needed for university. What I arrived with was determination, a willingness to learn and an absolute need to make something different of my life.”
Foundation for success
Michelle said STEPS provided her with the foundation to progress to university, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and social welfare with distinction, followed by an honours degree in psychology with Second Class Honours, Division A before becoming a registered psychologist.
“Across my academic journey, I was also recognised through Golden Key on six occasions. My education continued through further qualifications in post graduate studies in business, risk and governance and human resource management, and I later completed a Master of Health Management at QUT, graduating with distinction in 2020,” Michelle said.
“But education did much more than give me qualifications - it opened possibilities.”
Professionally, that first opportunity led to a career she could “never have imagined” at 26.
“I progressed into senior management and executive leadership, ultimately serving as General Manager and Chief Operations Officer. I provided strategic and operational leadership across organisations operating in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, with responsibility for approximately 130 employees and 80 volunteers and budgets of up to $30 million. I helped grow an organisation from a $6 million operation to a $30 million multi-state organisation,” Michelle said.
In 2014, Michelle established Mindset Synergy, becoming its Founder, Director and Principal Psychologist and Consultant.
A fruitful career
Her professional journey continues today, with Michelle now pursuing a PhD in complex trauma at CQUniversity, while awaiting confirmation of candidature.
Despite all of her professional accomplishments, one of the achievements she values most is the example her educational journey set for her daughter.
“That little three-year-old girl I was trying so desperately to create a different future for grew up watching her mum study, work, fall down, get back up and keep going…she went to university too!
“For me, that is part of the legacy of STEPS.”
Advocating for others
More than three decades later, Michelle remains a passionate advocate for adult education and alternative pathways into university.
“I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved, but I also know how hard I worked for every one of those achievements,” she explained.
“STEPS did not hand me my degrees. It did not hand me my profession, my leadership career, my business or the life I have built - it gave me something perhaps even more important - it gave me an opportunity.”
Michelle’s experience highlights how traditional entry requirements and earlier educational experiences do not necessarily reflect a person's potential to succeed at university.
For people who have left school early, experienced setbacks or are returning to education later in life, an alternative pathway can provide the confidence, skills and support needed to take that first step.
Looking back on the life and career that followed her acceptance into STEPS, Michelle remains deeply grateful that someone was willing to give her a chance.
“Without STEPS, I genuinely do not know whether I would have had the education, career or opportunities I have been fortunate enough to have. I certainly worked hard once that door was opened, but someone had to open it first.”
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.
