When former Moreton Bay College student Ashleigh Fry graduated from QUT this month it marked the next step in a journey that saw her become the first person in her family to attend university.
Despite graduating this week with a double degree in Business (International Business) and IT (IT Analysis), and having already secured a job with one of the country's top accounting firms, you could be forgiven for thinking it all came easy for Ashleigh but you would be wrong.
"I just saw University as a natural pathway, as a way to get to what I want to do with my life," said Ashleigh who grew up in Runcorn.
Her determination and drive to become the first in her family to graduate was clear from the beginning of her university life. Despite the demands of a double degree, Ashleigh still found time to contribute to QUT's vibrant campus community.
"I became a student Connector volunteer at the start of 2013. I was an executive on the Women in Technology committee and have been a Campus Life Leader as well...it's been such a great experience," she said.
Ashleigh's hard work throughout her time at QUT has paid off, after she was offered a graduate position with Deloitte Australia, as a tech consultant in the enterprise information management team. But as has been the case throughout Ashleigh's time at university, landing the job of her dreams was no accident.
"The Grad program at Deloitte was just one of 50 jobs I applied for in IT, let alone the other industry," said Ashleigh, who begins work at Deloitte in March following some overseas travel.
"It took months of research, applications, knock backs - I just knew what I wanted and kept on putting myself out there. In the end it paid off!
"Deloitte doesn't hire on grade point average; they hire on leadership experience, proof of hard work, and specific work experience, so all of the co-curricular stuff really helped me land the job.
"I'm so excited about graduating; it is still sinking in. I'm so thankful for the opportunities QUT put in front of me. Without all of the extra things I was able to accomplish on top of my degree, I wouldn't be where I am right now."
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901.
