Mackay-based sisters Kelly and Cindy Gamblin helped each other with motivation and support but acknowledge being a bit competitive about getting the highest marks towards their Accountacy degrees.

The siblings graduated together at the Rockhampton ceremony on Tuesday evening (Sept 23).

The Gamblin sisters - Kelly and Cindy - graduated in Rockhampton this week."Even though both Kelly and myself studied the same degree, very rarely did we complete the required subjects at the same time," the younger sister Cindy said. 

"However, there was a little competition between us, even though we denied it half the time.

"Due to this competitive nature, we never really consulted one another on assignments and through examinations until the last few subjects of our degree.

"We used each other as motivational aspects, to help one another successfully complete our degrees.  It was great to have the support from my sister as it inspired me to complete my degree to the best of my ability."

Cindy said a turning point in her study journey had been securing a trainee accountant position and shifting from full-time on campus to part-time by distance.

"I found that the transitional change between studying full-time and part-time to be one of the most positive and influential decisions of my career," she said.

"My employer (Brown & Bird) and colleagues all helped me to develop knowledge, experience and the understanding required to become successful within my career.

"On-the job-training, fellow colleagues' educational experiences and Kelly were my motivation to compete my degree via distance education."

Cindy said she had been working with the same accounting firm for about 2 ½ years.

"During this time, I have been surrounded by some great accountants, which have all inspired me to fulfil my dreams within the Accounting profession.

"At this stage, I plan to continue to grow and develop within this profession in the future through experience and on-the-job training."

Kelly had originally intended to move to Brisbane to complete a marketing degree after school.

"However, I decided to not take up this opportunity. I was not 100% sure that this was the career path I wanted and as I am a family-orientated person, the thought of leaving home was frightening.

"I decided to stay in Mackay and was given the opportunity to work for an Accounting firm in Mackay as a junior receptionist.

"After 12 months with this firm, they saw positive signs in my abilities within the accounting field and they approached me to see if I would be interested in doing an accounting degree.

"Whilst working in this industry I had experienced many different facets of the industry and saw this as a career path I wanted to undertake. To this day, I am still with Coombs Business Services Pty Ltd, now as a qualified accountant."

Kelly said a work ethic, commitment and dedication had been embedded in her from childhood.

"These have become assets of mine, and greatly assisted me through the completion of my degree. Working full-time while studying was very challenging at times.

"It was great to have another family member completing the same degree as we were able to support and assist each other - both being external students.

"Studying via distance education did not disadvantage our studies in any way.

"Sometimes I think personally it is a significant challenge to set your own time aside to complete the weekly tasks and assignments.

"We were able to communicate with lecturers via email, and this proved to be very efficient for myself. The response time was great."

Kelly said she had been surrounded by some great accountants, who had supported her studies from the day she started.

"They have also supported my future career aspirations; thus why I am still with this firm.

"My journey has been very challenging, however my family, friends and work colleagues have supported me.

"Whilst studying I travelled to New Zealand and also travelled through Europe. My time management skills, and dedication enabled me to get through my subjects and also experience many different cultures.

"I definitely would not take back my journey. Yes it was very challenging but I love to be challenged and believe I am a much greater person for it.

"I am looking forward to my future career opportunities and look forward to developing a much wider knowledge base within this industry."

Kelly managed to juggle - or in this case bounce - between her work, study and love of basketball.

She played for the Mackay Meteorettes while completing her degree.

"My family is basketball oriented and I have grown up within this sport. Studying and working full time, not once interfered with my sporting commitments, yet challenged me, however I do not regret the amount of time I was able to contribute to each."