New University of the Sunshine Coast graduate Kayla Rose has not had to move far to find study and career success.

The 21-year-old Bachelor of Commerce graduate attended Caloundra State High School, lives in Caloundra and has landed a top job – with a Caloundra accountancy firm.

She received a Faculty Medal for her grade point average of 6.67 out of 7 when she crossed the stage at last month’s USC Graduation Ceremony. She also delivered the Graduate response to a stadium full of peers and family members.

“I really love the Coast and I didn’t want to move to Brisbane to go to university,” said Ms Rose, an OP3 school student who said receiving a USC Business bursary in Year 12 was another incentive.

“My degree was amazing. I did a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning so it was really interesting to see two sides of the coin.

“In my final year, I was doing a course on tax when my tutor Colin Perryman told me about a part-time job at Asset Accounting in Caloundra.”

Kayla got the job while studying and is now a full-time accountant at the firm.

“Tax was my favourite accounting subject and this job is brilliant,” she said.

“I’m applying all the theory into the practice of creating tax returns and financial statements for individuals, partnerships, companies and self-managed super funds.”

Kayla enjoyed roles at USC as a Student Mentor and a Peer Assisted Study Session leader.

“I hosted a study session each week for any students doing basic accounting subjects. I loved helping other students through it.”

Applications are now open to start studying at USC mid-year. For more information visit www.usc.edu.au/midyear or contact Student Administration at information@usc.edu.au or 5430 2890.

— Julie Schomberg