Alumni based in India recently participated in CQUniversity's pre-departure and information sessions.

Prospective students, parents and recruitment partners valued their input and commended the student experience provided by CQUniversity.

Alumnus Mehul Vikamsey addresses the pre-departure audience in India

Alumni fielded questions about the academic program, student support and their experience in Australia as a student.

Mehul Vikamsey completed his Masters in Information Technology at CQUniversity Melbourne in 2007. He commenced his career as a database support engineer at MINEMAN Systems, a technology firm that develops software for the mining industry.

When MINEMAN wanted to set up operations in India, Mehul was the obvious choice.

"I would never get this opportunity if I pursued my Master's in India," he said.

Ramesh Anthony spoke at the pre-departure session in Sri Lanka

"The support provided by the Learning Skills Unit was instrumental in my academic success in Australia. I'm so glad I chose a University that puts students first and is willing to help us throughout our journey.

Meantime, Ahmedabad-based alumnus Naman Patel is now the Head - Career Advancement with the Chiripal Group. He is involved in developing education institutions by forming strategies for branding and business development.

Naman was a student at CQUniversity Sydney Campus studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, which he completed in March 2004.

"My experience in Australia and at CQUniversity helped me to grow up and mature as a human being. In my opinion the only things a student needs are motivation and self belief to survive and excel in Australia," he said.

Based in Kolkatta, Lucy Mallik is pursuing intensive study to join the Indian Civil Service.

She completed an MBA in Human Resources with CQUniversity in November 2010 and is considering returning for a PhD research project.

"Even if I were to be selected as a civil servant I would like to complete my PHD. In my two years of study, CQUni helped me in several ways and the professors were very helpful and friendly.

"Since I was from an Arts background initially I had certain troubles with few courses. Anytime I sent them emails regarding doubts I had, I was answered within a few hours.

"I have also received tremendous help from admin staff and student advisors. When I had some personal problems, CQUniversity staff were there to help me through the tough times.

"Staff of the Learning Skills Unit have also assisted me to enrich and improve my writing skills. Even the warm greetings with a smile from the security staff also made me feel great.

A CQUniversity MBA graduate who is now an investment advisor in capital markets for a stock broking firm, Ramesh Anthony spoke at the pre-departure session in Colombo (Sri Lanka). He indicated he will always remember the willingness of academics at Sydney Campus to go the extra mile.