Mackay man Robin Sheehy graduates from CQUniversity

Robin Sheehy has forged a unique path to success. Learn about the challenges he faced and the rewards of his incredible journey.

A study journey that spanned more than three decades came to an end for Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) graduate, Robin Sheehy at CQUniversity's recent Mackay graduation. Picture: Cricket Queensland

After more than three decades of dedicated work, Robin Sheehy finally achieved his dream of graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from CQUniversity at its recent Mackay graduation ceremony.

His interest in engineering began at a young age, inspired by his family’s passion for the industry.

“By the time I started high school, I already wanted to be an engineer,” Mr Sheehy said.

“It was clearly a family thing with my father and older brother ahead of me. I always had an interest in science and math with a practical bent.”

However, after initially enrolling in tertiary education, Mr Sheehy took a break to pursue on-the-job training in Queensland’s mining sector.

He eventually returned to his studies in 2011, but found it difficult to balance his full-time job and his studies.

After deferring his studies once again, Mr Sheehy returned six years later with a new mindset, more discipline, and a better plan.

“Trying to balance my studies alongside a demanding full-time job, that involved significant travel within and outside of Australia, quickly became overwhelming,” he said.

A study journey that spanned more than three decades came to an end for Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) graduate, Robin Sheehy at CQUniversity's recent Mackay graduation. Picture: Cricket Queensland

“It was important to be realistic about the study load I could carry along with full-time work and being happy to finish slower, but produce work I was happy with along the way.”

This proved to be a winning combination for Mr Sheehy who earned a 7.000 Grade Point Average and subsequently the CQUniversity school medal for outstanding academic achievement.

He credited the support he received from CQUni for also helping him succeed.

Throughout his studies, Mr Sheehy was awarded both a Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Engineering Prize and David McPherson Memorial Prize which provided recognition and financial assistance for expenses associated with studying at university.

“The staff were incredibly supportive and proactively encouraged me to return to study,” he said.

“When I did return, CQU provided the assistance I needed to make sure that my prior study would be recognised.”

As Mr Sheehy’s studies progressed, so did his career, culminating in his current position as a chief technology officer after 17 years of experience.

“While graduating has not changed much for me career-wise, finishing my studies has only reinforced my passion for engineering,” Mr Sheehey said.

Through his work in the field of materials analysis sensors for the mining and minerals processing industries, he hopes to apply technology creatively to solve problems and contribute to the industry’s growth and development.

His journey proves that dedication, hard work, and perseverance are key ingredients in achieving your dreams, no matter how long it takes.