By Georgia Smith, 14 July, 2025
For Mya Ward, Grace Butters, and Stephanie Kelly, QUT’s Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) program has been more than just a scholarship—it has given them invaluable real-world experience, industry connections and a competitive edge in their careers.
In addition to a $42,000 scholarship, CPIE students undertake two semester-long full-time internships with leading organisations, gaining hands-on exposure to their chosen fields.
Stephanie Kelly: exploring career paths through industry experience
For Stephanie Kelly, a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Business (Behavioural Economics) student, the CPIE program provided an opportunity to gain real-world experience, test different career paths and build her industry network.
"It’s been an incredible way to explore potential career paths while working with high-profile companies," Stephanie said. "These experiences have not only shown me what it’s like to work in a corporate setting but also helped guide me toward my preferred career path."
During her internship at Rio Tinto, Stephanie worked in procurement, where she gained valuable hands-on experience.
“I worked on tenders for resources, negotiated and wrote contracts, and compiled sourcing strategies. I even led my own project, which was an incredible learning experience.”
Her internship helped her strengthen her technical and professional skills.
"I developed skills in software and data analysis, contract management, running tenders, and stakeholder communication," she explained. "It gave me a clearer understanding of how an international business operates and helped refine my career goals."
Steph is currently undertaking her second internship at NIISQ and looking forward to honing her project management and business analysis skills.
As a CPIE scholar, Stephanie received automatic membership to QUT’s College of Excellence (CoE), an exclusive community for high-achieving students.
“The CoE has been one of the standout parts of my university experience. I’ve participated in social sports, networking and industry events, and professional development workshops. The welcoming and supportive culture helped me build lasting friendships and develop both my technical and soft skills.”
Mya Ward: from intern to team member
Bachelor of Business (Management)/Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media) student, Mya Ward, found the CPIE program similarly transformative, having a pivotal role in shaping the start of her career.
“My internships with FTI Consulting and Rio Tinto were transformative experiences that have shaped both my career aspirations and skill set,” Mya shared.
At FTI Consulting, Mya worked in accounting and insolvency—areas she had no prior exposure to.
“I was pushed out of my comfort zone from day one, it taught me to adapt quickly, ask the right questions and immerse myself in learning. I developed new skills, built my confidence in a professional setting and built strong connections within the firm.”
Her second internship at Rio Tinto turned out to be the perfect fit—allowing her to gain real-world experience and confirm her area of passion—communications and change management
“My internship showed me how effective communication drives organisational goals. I worked with the procurement team, supporting communications and change management initiatives.”
Not only did the experience solidify her career direction, but it also led to a job offer.
"I was thrilled to be offered an ongoing role as a Communication and Change Analyst. The CPIE program was the launching pad for my career, allowing me to dive deeper into my area of interest and gain valuable, hands-on experience."
Grace Butters: hands-on experience in her field
Recent Bachelor of Business (Marketing) graduate, Grace Butters, gained a unique insight into the industry she wants to work in through the program.
Her internship at RNA exposed her to the inner workings of a dynamic organisation that manages the Ekka, Royal Queensland Awards, and Brisbane Showgrounds.
“It gave me a taste of the industry that I was interested in,” Grace shared. “Experiencing the inner workings of such a diverse organisation—and contributing to an event as iconic as the Ekka—was an incredible learning opportunity.”
Working across two teams, Grace developed in-demand skills and industry connections.
"The program provided hands-on experience in a corporate environment, allowing me to gain real-world exposure and build confidence in a professional setting. I connected with industry professionals, received valuable mentorship, and gained an understanding of day-to-day business operations."
A Career-Defining Opportunity
The Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) program is more than just a scholarship—it’s a career-defining opportunity. Through industry placements, mentorship, and a strong network of like-minded peers, CPIE scholars gain the tools and experience needed to excel in competitive job markets.
Want to kickstart your career with CPIE? Learn more.