Determined Deeksha earns recognition and Associate Vice-President South-East Queensland Medal

The self-drive and determination of CQUniversity Master of Management for Engineers graduate Deeksha Rahanoo has earned her the Associate Vice-President South-East Queensland Medal at the recent 2021 Brisbane graduation ceremony.

Deeksha was one of around 200 students to graduate in twin ceremonies at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 31 August.

She said the acknowledgement for her and her family was a "wonderful moment".

"I never realised that all these initiatives that I am taking will turn out into an acknowledgement'" she said.

"I believe the fact that I am a self-driven person with the willingness to take the initiative' has helped me in achieving this Medal.

"There were times (during my studies) when I felt down' but with every new day I started again and again to keep going with what I enjoyed doing' either working on assignments' doing my project or helping at CQUniversity."

She said she received significant assistance from CQUniversity as an international student.

"I received enormous support from the University. Every single person has helped me' wherever and whenever I have reached out'" she said.

"CQUniversity always considers my viewpoint' with trust and value' which is fantastic.

One of Deeksha's biggest achievements during her studies was being part of the team that won The Big Idea social enterprise competition in November last year.

The successful project she is continuing to work on involves safety intervention in two-wheeler motorbikes. The other winner was a team from Melbourne University' with an urban farming project.

"I cannot be more thankful to all the academic staff' administration staff and the Social Innovation teams in Brisbane and Melbourne.

I am looking forward for growing these relationships in coming years as well'" she said.

Her academic success helped her secure employment with at Olam Orchards Australia (part of Olam Food Ingredients).

"I got my first job in Australia after my internship (which was the part of my Masters Degree). I am presently working as System Support Officer'" she said.

"Throughout my Masters' I have developed my capabilities to improve my research skills' problem solving' report writing and using new tools to improve project productivity.

"The subjects like Think Big' Innovation and Sustainability have boosted my confidence in becoming more enthusiastic towards these subjects.

"All these skills that I learned I believe helped me in getting this job."