National Vocational Week: CDU Student Success Stories
Charles Darwin University




At Charles Darwin University (CDU), success is not just about academic achievements, but also about helping students thrive in their chosen fields through practical experience, guidance, and career support. Today, we look at the stories of Anna Le, Jacinta de Fátima Mendonça, and Leo Joseph, who have successfully carved out their career paths in the Northern Territory through the Australian Work Experience (AWEsome) program at the CDU Career Centre.



Anna's Story

While pursuing a Bachelor of Public Health, Anna wanted to broaden her horizons beyond the classroom. Through the AWEsome program, Anna secured an internship with the CDU Student Engagement Team, marking her first entry into the Australian workplace. Despite initial concerns, she found it to be a supportive environment that encouraged her growth and boosted her confidence. The mentoring and workshops from the CDU Career Centre further enriched her career journey, enabling her to successfully secure a position as a Sales and Service Consultant at Allianz Partners Australia.



Jacinta's Story

With a passion for sustainable leadership, Jacinta pursued a Master of Business Administration at CDU and actively enhanced her skills and professional network. After participating in the AWEsome program, Jacinta secured an internship with the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Community Affairs in the Northern Territory Government. There, she gained in-depth knowledge of employer projects and improved her networking skills. Jacinta's journey highlights the importance of networking, continuous learning, and the value of humility and curiosity.


Leo's Story

While pursuing a Master of Professional Accounting, Leo found his career direction through the CDU Career Centre. After participating in the AWEsome program, Leo was offered a work placement, gaining a deep understanding of the complexities of the Australian workplace and the importance of building a professional network. This experience boosted his confidence and underscored the importance of proactive career development. Ultimately, Leo secured a position as a Graduate Accountant at KAS Accounting Solutions. He encourages all students to seize every opportunity for growth and development.

These success stories highlight the transformative impact of the CDU Career Centre's initiatives, particularly the AWEsome program. Through immersive workplace experiences, mentoring, and career development opportunities, students like Anna, Jacinta, and Leo not only gained valuable skills and confidence but also paved the way to fulfilling careers. Their advice to fellow students is to embrace new experiences, cultivate curiosity, and utilize CDU's resources, which will guide them towards future success. At CDU, the journey to success is not just about academic excellence but also about helping students realize their full potential and thrive in their chosen fields today and tomorrow.
Interested students can follow the CDU Career Centre's social media to learn more about programs and events.