CQU performing arts graduate Andrew McDowell is looking forward to a 2-month gig at a Chinese theme park, working 6 days a week and 6 shows a day from September onwards.

The overseas experience will help with his longer-term goal of getting a good agent and finding regular work in the entertainment industry in either Brisbane or Sydney.

Andrew has come a long way already since leaving Aldridge State High School in Maryborough and heading to Wide Bay TAFE at Hervey Bay.

He loved his time at Hervey Bay in the Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts, including music, dance, acting and backstage training.

"My highlights included a self-devised comedy play about the police force and a cat napper and a play that I performed in through the local theatre called 'Romeo and Juliet'... a small twist to this version however. It was set in the 70s. I played Romeo and still to this day have not had so much fun during the whole production.".

Andrew found out he could top-up his TAFE qualification with a further year of university study, to gain his Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from CQU in Rockhampton.

"I joined the CQU performing arts ensemble and was again excited to work with a wide range of personalities and new faces," he said.

"I was really excited at the fact that we got to work with industry professionals (something we never had the chance to do at TAFE becuase of our location).

"Meeting the lecturers and the whole uni atmosphere was something I'd always wanted to do and I was actually there.

"The things I wasn't able to achieve at TAFE were all achieved through the uni course and when I look back over it all I am glad I did it. I learnt so much through the 2 courses and wouldn't change a thing.".