“The Showcase really emphasised the fundamental importance of professional staff, and how much they contribute to the University’s renewal,” organiser Nerine Williams said.

The Showcase, which was opened by CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman, attracted a number of high-level speakers to the stage including two prominent invited guests from key tertiary-sector organizations.

Professor Sharon Bell, from the LH Martin Institute, spoke about the changing nature of professional work in the higher education sector, while Stephen Weller, President of the Association for Tertiary Management Inc, shared his insight into maintaining currency of professional skills and knowledge.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Alistair Dawson presents at the Professional Staff Showcase.Professor Bell said some professional university staff roles are changing from purely administrative to a blend of academic and professional. “These roles are often the more strategic and important roles for the university.

They are potentially influential roles. However they are often roles that are either fixed term or project work.”

She said universities need to recognize this change is happening and look at ways to capitalize on it. Mr Weller said professional university staff need to commit to advancing professionalism in the sector.

“We need to make a contribution over and above what we do in our normal jobs.”

CQUniversity’s Alistair Dawson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (University Services), spoke about his personal career journey and shared his thoughts about attitude and behavior being “the nuts and bolts” of success.

He said training and aspirations were important but attitude was critical.

A total of 11 presentations were made by both University and representatives from external organizations with all sessions well attended.