STUDENT AND ALUMNI
SUCCESS STORIES
STUDENT AND ALUMNI
SUCCESS STORIES
Get inspired by the real-life stories of ACAP University College’s current students and alumni. What is it like to have your professional dreams become reality?
At most colleges, your grade is all that matters. ACAP is different. We train the heart as well as the mind, teaching our students the soft skills they’ll use across their entire careers. At most colleges, you’ll only learn the theory. ACAP students learn by doing.
ACAP isn’t just different. It’s different by a number of degrees. Hear from our current students and alumni why this was the case for them.
MEET MONICA
Despite a challenging start to life, ‘Wonder Woman of Leadership’ and former ELMO Software HR Group Chief, Monica Watt, lives the values of being an extraordinary leader, including over 20 years of experience volunteering with the Australian Defence Force.
Monica identified that there were many ‘coaches’ out there without credentials, and after exploring options, she is enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching to add to her credentials. Monica is now the Founder and high-performance coach at Incredible Buzz.
MEET STEPHANIE
At the end of her Bachelor degree, Stephanie studied an elective in grief and loss after her own personal loss. She then realised her career path was in personal and family counselling. This was the catalyst for her enrolling in the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP. Stephanie is now a Family Practitioner at OzChild and owner of One Step Counselling. She is dedicated to helping families navigate complex issues including domestic violence and child protection.
MEET MAHALIA
Growing up in Albury Wodonga, Mahalia knew many young people who struggled with poor mental health, and wondered why there wasn’t more early intervention. She studied the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP. While working at a regional high school during her Masters, a challenging fire season led to a tragic increase in youth suicide in the local schools. Mahalia is now the Clinical Practice Lead for Centacare, has created a school wellbeing program, and runs her own community-based counselling service supporting males 16-25.
Meet Sarah
When Sarah Atkinsons’ mother died, she was preparing to welcome her own first child. She decided to pursue her dream career with her late mother’s words of encouragement ringing in her ears.
After completing a psychology qualification, she felt unsure about her future in the field and, after reading the course guide, she enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching with ACAP University College. Now, Sarah is living her dream—running a thriving business from her home in regional NSW while raising three daughters.
Meet Rikesh
Rikesh began working as a social worker in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, working with local and international agencies to aid people who had lost everything in some of the country’s most remote areas. He planned to explore study outside of social work internationally, but his initial plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which he came close to losing his life.
Studying with ACAP’s highly skilled social work lecturers, Rikesh began to develop new perspectives and skills. Since enrolling in ACAP University College’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) he has found his path supporting people facing homelessness in NSW.
Meet Tidus
Tidus grew up in an environment surrounded by a lot of neglect and violence, where mental health was highly stigmatised. It wasn’t until he grew up that Tidus came to terms with some of the hardship he faced as a child and decided to make a change.
Tidus was the first person in his family to attend university and now has a career to be proud of. He is a graduate of ACAP University College’s Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, a student in the Master of Psychology Practice (Clinical) and a psychology lecturer at ACAP Sydney
Meet Anthony
At age 30, Anthony Gambrell decided to chase a lifelong dream, and pursued a career change into law.
Going into law Anthony had some insecurities; he was the first lawyer in his family and was anxious about the connections and knowledge to which he might not have access. Choosing ACAP University College’s Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice not only helped him find his dream job, but also helped him find his confidence.
MEET ALEX
After fleeing anti-Semitism in Russia, Alex’s family sought safety in refugee camps across Europe before taking up permanent residency in Norway. These experiences fuelled Alex’s passion to understand human nature, leading him to pursue learning opportunities in Australia.
Alex studied counselling at ACAP, driven by his desire to facilitate meaningful changes in the lives of others. Since graduating, Alex has joined the team at ACAP, taking on the role of Academic Skills Advisor, where he is pivotal in supporting the success of students with disabilities through tailored support plans.
MEET LEWIS
As a graduate of ACAP’s Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, Lewis is prepared for the situations he faces working with the inmates at one of NSW’s largest remand centres. Armed with expertise in criminology, criminal psychology, crime prevention, law enforcement, corrections and justice-related issues, Lewis also supports inmates participating in victims’ awareness courses.
Click here to read more about how Lewis creates positive change with those in the justice system.
MEET MARIA
It's never too late to switch careers and follow your passions. ACAP graduate Maria worked in customer service at Sydney Airport for over 25 years before a change of direction to study social work at ACAP.
She recently graduated top of her class with a Bachelor of Social Work and as she embarks on the next phase of her career as a social worker, she is eager to use her skills and knowledge to empower and advocate for women in need.
BUILDING CAREERS FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS
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