STEPS was a “transformative” experience for Robyn

By Greg Chapman

Deciding to enrol in CQUniversity’s STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies) course didn’t only change Robyn Rudd’s career trajectory, it fundamentally changed her life and the way she viewed herself.

The 50-year-old has spoken of her “transformative” STEPS journey and how it helped her realise she could have a life she previously hadn’t imagined possible.

“I completed the STEPS program in 2003 at the Bundaberg campus. My journey back to education wasn't a straightforward one. I left school partway through Year 12 when I was 16 and pregnant with my first child,” she said.

“I married young and, as a young mum, worked part-time to help support my family. Without formal qualifications or particular skills, I worked a variety of part-time and seasonal jobs, including fruit packing, kitchenhand and service station attendant.”

Frustrated with her future career prospects and seeing others progress with formal qualifications – including friends and family members – Robyn wanted more for herself and when she heard about a friend’s success after completing a bridging course, she started the path to STEPS.

“At the time, I lacked confidence and often felt I wasn't particularly intelligent or capable. I had never really considered university as something that was within my reach. Enrolling in STEPS gave me an opportunity to change that,” she said.

“I undertook STEPS part-time, fitting my studies around caring for my two primary-school-aged children. Juggling family responsibilities and study wasn't always easy. I particularly struggled with time management, but I learned to keep pushing through, one step at a time.”

Gaining confidence

Finding solid footing with success in STEPS’ computer and math subjects, Robyn discovered the confidence to keep going.

“Knowing that I was also setting an example for my children gave me another reason to persevere. The staff were incredibly supportive and encouraging, always willing to offer advice and help me work out the best path forward,” she said.

“After completing STEPS, I went on to study a Bachelor of Multimedia Studies, also at the Bundaberg campus. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to study, so I started a degree in Informatics. After taking just one elective subject in the multimedia stream, where I was introduced to Photoshop, I was hooked! I transferred into Multimedia Studies and graduated in 2007 with distinction.”

Trusting in the future

Other challenges in Robyn’s personal life saw her move to Brisbane and remarry, but the drive to learn went with her.

“Education helped me develop a greater sense of independence and, perhaps most importantly, taught me to trust in my own ability to make decisions about my future,” she said.

“My commitment to learning didn't stop with my undergraduate degree. In 2019, I completed a Master of Information Technology with QUT, majoring in Information Systems.”

Securing work as a graphic designer and administration assistant in the print industry, Robyn honed her skills and ultimately took over as Operations Manager.

“It's a role I really enjoy because it brings together so many of the things I love: print and design, problem-solving, developing efficient business systems and finding ways to improve administrative processes and overall productivity,” she said.

“Before STEPS, I had very little confidence in myself and tended to rely on others for reassurance and validation. I was trying hard to be a good parent, but I worried that I wasn't giving my children the best example or opportunities.

“Today, I see myself as a capable and resilient person. I've proven to myself that I can get through difficult challenges and that I don't need someone else to tell me what I'm capable of. I still value and appreciate the support of the people close to me, but I now see those relationships as mutual support rather than something I depend on for my sense of worth.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been seeing the impact of education on my family. My children grew up watching me study and seeing the opportunities that education created for me. Both have since gone on to complete degrees themselves. I like to think that, in some small way, I helped show them education doesn't have to happen at a particular age or follow a particular path.

“If someone was considering STEPS, I would tell them not to underestimate what it can do for them. You don't need to have your whole future mapped out, and you certainly don't need to believe you are already capable of succeeding at university. That's part of what STEPS helps you discover.”

CQUniversity's STEPS program celebrates 40 years in 2026, marking four decades of helping people from diverse backgrounds build the skills, confidence and foundations needed to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

Explore your pathway into university with CQU's STEPS program.