Mya San graduated at this week's ceremony in Rockhampton.Mya San's around-the-world study journey reached a stage of celebration at the recent (Sept 23) CQUniversity graduation ceremony in Rockhampton.

Originally from Myanmar (Burma), Mya moved with her family to England and Malaysia before settling in Mackay.

She has now graduated from a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Co-op) with Honours and Diploma of Professional Practice (Engineering).

"Our family migrated to Australia in September 2004 as my father was offered a position of a senior lecturer in the School of Medicine, James Cook University, at Mackay Base Hospital," Mya said.

"We live in Mackay and were granted Australia citizenship in 2008."

Mya completed Year 10 in Myanmar in 1994 before doing her English A-levels from 1994-1996.

She then completed her B.Eng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Malaysia's Inti College from 199-2001 before starting her CQUniversity degree journey.

"My dad is a medical doctor ... as we moved from one country to another with him, I went to the school/college/university in that particular country," Mya said.

"When we migrated to Australia in 2004, I had already completed a 3-year degree program in a Malaysian college and had been working a year in Malaysia.

"As I learnt my degree is not recognised in Australia, I decided to study again. I joined CQUniversity from second year studies as I got credit transfer for the first year.

"I chose CQUniversity because it offers the Co-op program comprising 2 work placements and problem-based learning courses (PBL) which emphasise self learning and team work skills."

Mya acknowledges that going back to start Uni a second time was not easy.

"But I always wanted to be engineer and I was prepared to do whatever it takes to become one. Now, I am sure I made a right decision.

"I had a great experience studying at university.  The Co-op program gave me a unique opportunity to build interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative and self direction which are very vital in work.

"When I studied my first degree in Malaysia, it was all about tests, exams and assignments and did not really emphasise improving interpersonal skills. I believe going back to uni again make me more prepared and better equipped for the job."

Mya completed 2 Co-op placements during her CQUniversity degree.

"I worked at Ampcontrol Mackay, an engineering service provider, designer and manufacturer of electrical mining equipment in my first work placement, and Powerlink Queensland, the Queensland electricity transmission network service provider in my second work placement.

"These work placements gave me an opportunity to learn how the knowledge gained from studies are applied into practice and also to develop self-directive learning skills, initiative skills and team skills in a real working environment."

Mya said she is still seeking suitable employment in her field but aims to become a Chartered Professional Engineer within 3 years. She welcomes contact with potential employers via myansan@gmail.com .

"I would like to thanks all my lecturers and friends from CQUniversity," Mya said.

"Without their help and support, it would be impossible to achieve what I have achieved today.

"The lecturers are approachable, attentive and very knowledgable in their fields. I found everyone I met at CQUniversity to be caring, supportive and friendly.

"Australia is a truly wonderful country with wonderful people and is a land of opportunity. And I am very grateful to my adopted country and really proud to be an Australian."