For chartered accountant Steven Mitchell the decision to study at Charles Darwin University was made easier by his employer’s willingness to allow him to combine work and study.
‘In the first year of my course I applied for several jobs and was offered a couple of them,’ he says.
‘I chose the offer from Deloitte not only because they are among the biggest accounting firms in Darwin and a worldwide name, but because they would allow me to spend about half my time on my studies at CDU.
‘It helped that one of the partners had already studied at CDU, and everyone was familiar with the University’s good reputation in accounting.’
Mr Mitchell said he had been able to complete his degree in three years, successfully combining his studies with practical experience at Deloitte.
‘I wanted to be able to complete the degree in as short a time as possible and Deloitte were very understanding,’ he said.
Mr Mitchell said he had been attracted to accounting because there was always a shortage of accountants, a situation that had not changed since his graduation.
He is now completing further professional qualifications within the industry as a chartered accountant.
Born in India, Mr Mitchell was raised in Darwin and says he plans to continue his career in the city.
‘I think one of the reasons I got the job was because Deloitte knew I was unlikely to leave Darwin. They weren’t worried that I might want to move away after finishing my studies.’
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