Recent Accounting graduate Jean 'Cedric' Laverdure has already had the chance for a boardroom experience, taking part in CPA Australia's 'Naked CEO' project.

This project enables business leaders and CEOs of various organisations to share ideas and experiences with students, encouraging them to take the right initiatives towards a great career path.

Cedric experiences a boardroom session alongside CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley

After selection based on his application questions and willingness to become a CPA student ambassador, Cedric had the chance for a full day of mentoring with CEO of CPA Australia Alex Malley and his senior management teams, plus a seat at The Naked CEO Boardroom and a private dinner.

"As a recent graduate of CQUniversity, I will treasure the experience for the rest of my life. I have gained valuable advice that helps me shape my career and a fantastic networking opportunity," Cedric says.

"Being able to meet up with Alex Malley, the CEO of CPA Australia and his senior management team was such a great achievement, and it was also great being able to be part of a boardroom.

"One thing that I will take out of this experience is to be yourself, seek the right mentor that will help you to achieve your goals, and to accept failure as part of the journey.

"Being selected for the project demonstrates the great job and contribution that teaching staff of CQUniversity have empowered in my life."

As a keen student, Cedric travelled all the way from the island nation of Mauritius, off the southeast coast of Africa, to study at CQUniversity Australia.

While at Rockhampton Campus, he made friends by becoming a student mentor and getting involved in campus activities, including the Mini Olympics for which his soccer team came third.

Cedric is among a select group of students who have been able to compare CQUniversity's Rockhampton (regional) and Melbourne (metro) campuses as he has completed his double degree in Accounting and Business, majoring in Accounting and Management. During his academic year in Melbourne he gained a Head of Campus commendation letter for academic achievement.

Cedric (left) with other participants in The Naked CEO project

"I enjoyed my experience at CQUniversity, especially with the friendly environment and great access to teaching staff and resources, and being able to become a Student Mentor which gave me a huge advantage in terms of networking, close contact with teaching staff, professors, academic people, student support staff, domestic students and international students as well," Cedric said.

Cedric gets involved in a video presentation about the event