Charles Darwin University (CDU) graduate, Chantal Williams, points to her time at CDU as a great contributor to her recent success at the 2006 Telstra Business Awards.
Chantal was recently awarded the 2006 Telstra Tasmanian Business of the Year Award and named the inaugural Tasmanian Business Leader of the Year.
Chantal is the CEO of her own child care provider, Stepping Stones Children’s Services, where she oversees the operations of over 20 child care services.
Completing her Bachelor of Children’s Services in 2003, Chantal then completed a Graduate Certificate in Leading in Educative Contexts in 2004.
Chantal then followed up on her Bachelor with the completion of her Masters in Education in early 2006.
When asked about why she chose to study at CDU, Chantal said that flexibility was a critical issue.
“I needed a flexible university which could understand my work commitments and support me in my study whilst working full-time and being a full-time mum,” she said
“CDU is also one of the few Australian university’s which offer a degree in child care rather than an overall degree in early education.”
Chantal credits the understanding of lecturers and tutors as key factors that helped her through her studies.
“There was an understanding of the fact that my work and family would have to come first although I could still be committed to study.
“Lecturers were always understanding and made allowances for me as long as I could show that I remain dedicated.”
Chantal believes that it is imperative that all students that choose a study option which they are passionate about.