Central Queensland University (CQU) Mackay’s Faculty of Business and Law Inaugural Accounting Mentor Program has been lauded as an outstanding success by students and professional accounting mentors.

Students, mentors and faculty staff gathered to toast the success of the program at a function at CQU recently where certificates were awarded by Accounting Mentor Coordinator Jo Luck.

Ms Luck, who is also Faculty of Business and Law SubDean and Accounting Lecturer said, “15 Accounting students and mentors completed the program”.

“An unexpected outcome of the program has been career opportunities offered to students who are still studying for their Accounting degrees – some have even found work in fields not previously considered.”.

“While the formal results of the program are currently being analysed, on initial indications this Mentor Program could well become a model of creating a mutually beneficial industry/student and educational partnership,” Ms Luck said.

Ms Luck said this is indicative of the high calibre of CQU’s Accounting students.

During the program students interacted with mentors in a variety of ways which helped broaden their horizons as to the scope of the accounting profession and possible career pathways.

Activities included attending industry functions with the mentor, industry training sessions, visits to the mentor’s workplace and various one-on-one meetings much like coaching sessions.

The Mentor Program was designed primarily for students in the second year of their 3-year, full-time degree. The program aimed to enhance students’ preparation for the realities of working in the accounting and information systems fields.

Ms Luck said the Faculty of Business and Law at Mackay Campus had been very fortunate to have strong support from the accounting profession and the local business community.

“Without the time and effort of the local accounting professionals, the program would not have been such a success. There have been some excellent suggestions on how to improve the program.”.

Photo above: Julia Thomsett (CQU Accounting/Information Systems Student) with Troy Dobinson (CQU Careers and Employment Advisor). Troy was a guest speaker at the recent mentoring event.

Photo right: Meagan Sullivan and Louise Barnes (CQU Accounting Students) with their mentor Trudy Taylor (Whitson Dawson Accountants).