When Western Australia's Melanie Smith was considering graduation venue options, she decided to have a 'bit of an adventure' and celebrated in Singapore...

"After all, the flights are just as close as if I had headed for the east coast of Australia to graduate," she says.

VC Scott Bowman with Melanie Smith and her mum Shelley, after CQUni's Singapore graduation ceremony

After completing a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) by distance education, Melanie enjoyed being among the 25 students involved in CQUniversity's recent Singapore graduation.

Her proud mum Shelley Smith (herself a Professional Doctorate graduate of CQUniversity) was also able to attend, and both were welcomed to the alumni dinner after the ceremony.

Melanie started her career in hospitality before progressing into hospitality recruitment, and she decided to re-enrol after a break in her studies.

"I initially enrolled in Psychology at CQUni by distance education because I was living in Darwin and knew I wanted to move back to WA at some point in the next 12 months, and didn't want to have to keep changing universities and losing credits as I moved around."

"My husband and I recently bought the winery at Rivendell Estate*. He handles the wine production and wholesale while I look after the cellar door tastings and retail side of the business."

Melanie says she hopes to use her psychology skills in future career moves 'down the track', but for now the winery is the focus.

* Rivendell is a large estate with a lot of different stakeholders including restaurant, accommodation and land development. The website is http://www.rivendellwinery.com.au/

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