Yeppoon resident and 'young gran' Jo Shepherd was seeking a change of pace from her busy retail job when she heard about a preparatory program helping adults return to study at CQUniversity.

Her daughter Emily Dempster completed a STEPS preparatory program at Bundaberg Campus and is now enrolled in a double degree.

Jo Shepherd enjoys life on campus

On Emily's recommendation, Jo also completed STEPS and has now embarked on a Bachelor of Accounting/Diploma of Professional Practice based at Rockhampton Campus.

Now Jo's daughter Danielle Shepherd has also enrolled in STEPS from her home in Emerald, meaning the family has plenty to compare notes about when not discussing the growing group of grandchildren.

Jo says she is enjoying the first year of her degree studies while working part-time at a newsagent. She's looking forward to workplace experience built into the 'professional practice' component.

"I've also wanted to get into Accounting and actually enrolled for study in NSW TAFE about 15 years ago, but I never had the confidence to succeed until I tried STEPS with CQUniversity," Jo says.

"STEPS really gave me the skills I needed for my degree and I would highly recommend it to any adults considering a return to study."

The next STEPS intake testing event in Rockhampton is Monday May 9 from 9am, with details via Pam McMahon on 4930 9294.

Prospective undergraduate or postgraduate students will be welcomed to special Mid-Year Events at most CQUni campuses from 3pm-7pm on May 24. Details will be available soon via http://www.cqu.edu.au/midyear or right now at 13 27 86 .