Recent CDU graduate secures role as External Auditor role at KPMG

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Heather was at home in China. She was preparing to travel to Darwin to study a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice) at CDU when international borders closed. CDU was the first university in Australia to bring in a charter flight of students during the pandemic, and Heather was one of the lucky few on the flight.

When Heather arrived in Darwin from China, she immediately felt like it was a place with limitless opportunities. Time has proven that Heather’s feelings were right.

“I had a lot of precious opportunities while I was studying, and I used to work part-time for Northern Territory Government and as well as CDU,” she says.

“One day, I got a call from a partner at KPMG who said I was highly recommended to him, and he’d like to interview me. That's how I landed my current job.”

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Meeting others

Meeting people in Darwin has played a big role in Heather’s professional success.

“Darwin is a relatively small community, so networking and connection is definitely important,’ she says.

“It’s also important to get some hands-on experience while you study and seize every opportunity as well as build a good reputation.”

Help from CDU

Heather is thankful to CDU’s Career Centre for helping her to prepare for the corporate world.

“The Careers Centre has a lot of networking events throughout the year with students and prospective employers,’ says Heather. “They also have some job-oriented programmes, like a placement one and a mentoring one, and can help you to write your resume and cover letters.”

Living the Darwin life

Since moving to Darwin, Heather has fallen in love with the work and social culture of the city.

“Darwin is a melting pot of various cultures, and people here embrace and celebrate differences,’ she says. “The work culture is welcoming, inclusive and flexible, as companies understand that you may have family commitments.

Compared to Asian countries, the work culture is very informal and relaxed, especially with work social club events and team drinks after work. I hang out with many of my colleagues on weekends.”

City of opportunities

Heather is proud to call Darwin home and encourages other international students to come and do the same.

“Darwin's full of opportunities for international students who work within their field of study or want to explore different areas,” she says.

“In Darwin, you’ll never be alone. You’ll benefit from the diversity, and you’ll get great support from the local communities, your education providers and the NT Government.

If you want to achieve more in life or are looking for some different experiences, Darwin's definitely an ideal place to start your journey.”

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