Rafat found success in numbers at CDU

Rafat completed a finance degree in Dhaka, Bangladesh and moved to Darwin to pursue her masters with Charles Darwin University (CDU). Rafat’s dream was to work with multinational accounting companies and before graduating with CDU, she secured a full-time job with KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms.

Leaving home during a global pandemic

During Rafat’s time as a student, she lived at International House Darwin (IHD).

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As she arrived in Darwin at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she initially found it difficult to connect with others and integrate into university life.

New place and new university, without knowing anyone, living all by myself. It was the toughest time of my journey.

The next year, she took on the role of Resident Leader at IHD and by the end of the year, she received the Harry Edmonds Award, which is given to the best Resident Leader for the year.

Supportive staff

Maintaining the balance of work and study was a challenge for Rafat at first. However, with the support and encouragement of her supervisors, she learned how to organise her time.

She felt she could always reach out to faculty staff and receive prompt responses from them.

It was just unbelievable! Although there were times where I doubted myself, my work supervisors and faculty staff did not ever hesitate to support me.

CDU offers many options for students needing both personal and study support.

Work experience opportunity

As part of the Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice), CDU provides training specific to working effectively in an organisation. This includes a 300-hour placement opportunity.

I love to work with numbers. The cherry on top is that we get a 300-hour placement opportunity in an Australian company. Not all universities in Australia offer this, so it is an amazing learning opportunity for any student.

CDU’s resources

Rafat has made strong connections and friendships with people in Darwin. She especially loves being involved in events on campus, such as multicultural days and celebrations. She was often asked to coordinate and emcee these events.

These celebrations made my time at CDU so colourful and joyous.

She benefited from having peers to study with, senior students to guide her and the faculty and library staff to assist her with research.

“I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.” Rafat says.

Rafat’s success

Rafat was asked to make the valedictory speech at her graduation ceremony.

It was such an honour to be a valedictorian. It is the most memorable event of my life at CDU.

Rafat now works full time for KMPG Australia, helping the Northern Territory Government in project services.

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Rafat’s advice to others is to treat every subject equally.

“Everything you study is relevant and worth working hard for.” She says.

Explore the Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice) at CDU, and learn more about studying in Darwin.