You may have already met Niral Joshi, an internationally mobile and motivated young man, who has achieved some remarkable milestones during his time at CQUniversity.

In fact Niral was the youngest graduate ever to matriculate with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from CQUniversity Brisbane International Campus in 2008.

Niral Joshi with Sonia Saddiqui in the Association office

Story by Dr Chris Keane.

Prior to his postgraduate studies he studied for and completed a Bachelor of Business degree at our Sydney Campus, at the tender age of 18.

Today, Niral is talking to UniNews in his capacity as Student Advocacy and Support Officer with the CQU Student Association (CQUSA), at Sydney Campus. He shares the office with his work colleague Sonia Saddiqui, who manages the appeals and advocacy caseload work.

Recently appointed to his new position, Niral explained that the CQUSA serves a number of purposes.

Firstly, it provides a "one-stop-shop" for students seeking independent advice and assistance in matters affecting their university studies and welfare. It may be the case, for instance, that a newly enrolled student wishes to discuss a personal issue affecting their academic progress or health and safety.

Niral Joshi at the Student Association office

Secondly, CQUSA acts as an advocacy body by representing students' interests before official inquiries and Faculty administrative hearings. Students can therefore rest assured that they are entitled to have a CQUSA staff member present at any official hearing.

Finally, Niral points out that CQUSA membership provides students with access to some free or discounted retail services such as cinema tickets and restaurants meals.

"All students should take advantage of these benefits", he advises. "After all, they are free!"

Niral was also happy to discuss his educational experiences. He praised CQUniversity's international outlook and its mission to create "one big family culture", on campus. He commended the teaching staff and their willingness to ‘consult with students at short notice'.

Similarly, he found the administrative and student support services such as the Learning Skills Unit, Library and TECC all "excellent resources".

Niral Joshi

Overall, he was impressed by the "all round education in hard study, work and life" which CQUniversity delivered.

Niral has obviously inherited his parents' strong work ethic. His father is a retired engineer whose motto in life is to "give back to people more than you are ready to take from them".

Niral believes this an excellent moral principle which should guide all human behaviour.