Alumni stories

Alisha has always dreamed of becoming a teacher and she wasn't about to let remote living stop her from studying a teaching degree. Rather, she embraced the opportunity to study teaching online, while building a fulfilling career - and life.

Overseeing the move of Big Kev the dinosaur may not be the most important recent event in Rory Milner’s life, but it’s right up there. “Big Kev is a Territory icon. People ask me, ‘How’s Kev? Will he be safe?” says the Charles Darwin University graduate.

CDU alumni Talea Cotte completed a Bachelor of Midwifery online from her home in Perth while raising three young children and working part-time. Upon finishing high school, Talea trained as a hairdresser but realised soon after the birth of her first baby that she wanted to become a midwife.

Errol boldly carved a new future for himself in Darwin by graduating from Charles Darwin University’s School of Law with First Class Honours. Along the way, he completed a prestigious internship with Harvard Law School. Read on to find out how he found academic success.

After 15 years as an event manager, Sallie decided it was time for a change after her second daughter arrived. She took the plunge and applied to study a teaching degree online at CDU, which she'd been thinking about for a while. Here's how she's putting her creativity, organisational and time management skills to task as she juggles her teaching degree, family and three jobs. 

Mark dropped out of high school in year 10. Fast forward a few years: he holds a law degree, is involved in countless legal education and community initiatives, was named NT  Young Achiever of the Year in 2017 and nominated as Indigenous valedictorian of his graduating class at CDU.  His valedictorian speech will inspire the most uninspired. Here's what he had to say. 

Rikki Bruce was told her maths skills weren't up to scratch to study engineering. Not only did she graduate from CDU with an engineering degree, she was nominated by her lecturers as valedictorian for her outstanding personal achievements and academic record. 

Mauro is proof that anyone can make a mid-life career change, regardless of their education or personal background. A Melbourne native, Mauro was in his early forties when he decided to make the switch from working health administration and become a lawyer.