Future Ready: Insights from the Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo

The Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo 2025, hosted by CQUniversity on 16 May at the Community Sports Centre in Rockhampton, was a pivotal event for students and job seekers in the region. It provided a comprehensive platform for individuals to explore various career pathways, engage with potential employers, and gain insights into educational opportunities.

What the Expo Offered

• Diverse Exhibitors: The event featured a wide range of exhibitors, including tertiary education institutions, apprenticeship and traineeship providers, civil construction and resource sector companies, and local businesses. This diversity allowed attendees to explore multiple career avenues in one location.

• Hands-On Engagement: Attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals, ask questions, and receive guidance on career development, making it a practical experience for those seeking to enter or transition within the workforce.

• Support for Various Audiences: The expo catered to a broad audience, including school leavers, individuals looking to upskill, and those considering a career change. This inclusivity ensured that a wide demographic could benefit from the event.

  
  

  CQU opens up a world of opportunity at TAFE Careers Expos

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Overall, the Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo 2025 served as a valuable resource for students and job seekers in the region, offering them the tools and connections needed to advance their careers.

The following student reflections highlight their positive experiences at the expo, showcasing how it supported them in diverse ways - from receiving valuable career advice to expanding their professional networks and uncovering new opportunities:

1. "The CQU Careers Expo was such an eye-opening experience! I got to meet representatives from several companies in my field and learn more about potential career paths. It was also helpful to get feedback on my resume and improve how I present myself to future employers. I'm definitely more confident in my job search now."

2. "I had no idea there were so many opportunities out there! The expo helped me realise the wide range of industries I could work in, even with my degree. I particularly enjoyed the workshops on networking and personal branding - they were super informative and gave me a lot of things to think about for my future."

3. "I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after graduation, but the careers expo gave me a better sense of direction. I spoke with a few companies that specialise in my major, and the insights they shared were really valuable. I’m also planning to apply for internships that were advertised at the expo."

4. "It was great to meet so many employers and hear directly from them about the skills they look for in candidates. I learned that there’s a strong emphasis on soft skills like communication and teamwork, which I hadn’t thought much about before. I’ll definitely be focusing on developing these areas in the future."

5. "I went to the CQU Careers Expo with a specific idea of where I wanted to work, but I ended up discovering other sectors that I hadn’t considered. The best part was speaking with alumni who had successfully navigated the same path I’m on - they gave me some great advice about job hunting and what to expect in the workplace."

6. "Attending the careers expo helped me understand how to tailor my resume to specific industries. I was able to get direct feedback from recruiters, which was really beneficial. I also enjoyed the panel discussions about industry trends - they gave me a clearer picture of where my field is headed."

7. "I was so nervous about meeting employers, but the expo was actually really welcoming. I felt like everyone was genuinely interested in helping students succeed. I’m excited to start applying for roles now, especially with the connections I made."

Veronica Miller-Waugh

Year 8,9 & 10 Business

Careers Education Program

Vocational Education Program

Transition & Academic Support Officer