Commerce student kick starts career

With job markets becoming increasingly competitive, more university students are choosing to give themselves a head start by beginning their careers while completing their final year of studies.

Many students find the combination of a university degree coupled with work experience puts them on a fast track when looking for career advancement opportunities.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus third year Commerce student Annette Noonan has hit the ground running, taking on an accounting job while still completing the final year of her degree.

The mature-aged Ipswich student said the work experiences she would gain at Lovetts Accounting firm would complement her studies giving her an advantage over others.

'I am hoping that working in accounting while completing my studies will help steer me faster towards my career goals,' Ms Noonan said.

'The firm looks after small business clients, so I will be getting hands on experience looking after super funds and trust funds amongst other things.'

Ms Noonan decided to continue into university study after completing a Diploma of Accounting at TAFE.

'I have always worked in clerical or account type roles, but decided to take my career to the next level and study the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting.

'I chose to study at USQ Springfield because of its proximity to my home in Ipswich and because the program offered exactly what I was looking for.

'By completing the diploma first, I was able to have some courses in my Commerce program exempted which has shortened my program overall.

'I have also studied in semester three to fast track my studies, which has been great.'

Ms Noonan said the support she received at home and at university helped her through her studies.

'My husband and children were all very supportive and the lecturers at USQ were always available for me to talk to whenever I needed.'

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979