Kristy ready to don regalia and cross CQUniversity graduation stage

Two years of study with no set deadlines has helped counsellor and not-for-profit manager Kristy Darnborough super-charge her leadership – and she will officially graduate with CQUniversity's hyperflexible Master of Business Administration (Leadership) with distinction on Thursday (26 May 2022).

The busy Perth mum manages the Midland branch of Relationships Australia and had been a counsellor for more than a decade when she decided to step up her capacity to lead and inspire.

"I was ready for a new challenge' and I knew that CQUniversity was well-equipped for online study'" Kristy said.

"The MBA (Leadership) stood out as an excellent opportunity' with the flexibility and value I needed."

Driving innovative initiatives at work and parenting two girls' Kristy knew the study would have to fit around her "busy and unpredictable" life.

"Because the content can be accessed anytime and is in short segments' I could listen to a video on my way to work' or waiting to pick up my daughters'" she said.

"The degree also includes Certificate' Diploma and then Masters stages' so celebrating milestones as you go keeps you motivated."

Kristy never had to go to a campus to complete her degree' but she made plenty of connections as she studied.

"You talk via Zoom and message to share ideas' just as you would in a classroom'" she said.

"I'm still regularly in touch with other students – we all became great supports to each other."

"The teaching staff were really supportive and encouraging' always available on the phone or email' and provided excellent feedback on assignments."

MBA (Leadership) students can enrol and get started any time' with up to five years to complete the degree.

Kristy's determined approach has seen her reach the light at the end of the tunnel in just over two years.

"I couldn't graduate last year due to COVID restrictions' so it feels great to finally be able to enjoy this special day with my family and friends'" Kristy said.

"I'll be lucky to have my husband Julian and my teenage daughters Erin and Carly in attendance.

"I also have my wonderful friend and one of my biggest supporters Angie Perkins at the graduation."

Kristy said the flexibility of having no due dates and being able to study wherever and whenever had been really convenient and beneficial.

"I was really excited to see a Uni that understood that work/life/study balance'" she said.

"The course was fantastic and was such an opportunity for growth both professionally and personally' and it's such a proud moment to finally be graduating."

Kristy will join more than 85 fellow graduates who are set to be presented with their testamur's at CQUniversity's Perth graduation on Thursday.

The ceremony will be held at the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre and will celebrate graduates from Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses through to Bachelor and Masters degrees.

Dignitaries in attendance will include CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp and Associate Vice-President of Western Australia Professor Rob Brown' as guest speaker.