CDU graduate celebrates end of degree by launching own business

International student, Joan Liwanag-Tran, was inspired through her volunteer work at Charles Darwin University to take a big step in August. SEE THE GRADUATION GALLERY HERE.

Lottie Hood

less than 2 min read

September 16, 2025 - 4:17PM

Joan Liwanag-Tran is finding a new path after graduating with a Master of Professional Accounting at CDU and opening her own business. Picture: supplied.

Higher Education

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As many fresh faced graduates don their caps this week at Charles Darwin University for the 2025 graduations, one student is celebrating with a major “leap of faith”.

Joan Liwanag-Tran, who is due to graduate with a Masters in Professional Accounting, has gone one step further by opening her own firm, JLT & Associates Pty Ltd, in August.

Gaining confidence through volunteer work at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and her studies, Mrs Liwanag-Tran, said she was inspired to start her own business.

“I started taking ownership of my accounting career when I started looking at the books and became a director for my husband’s business – Darwin Detailing and Tinting – but I knew I wanted to go a step further,” she said.

“I began volunteering with CDU’s free tax clinic which gave me the confidence and space to work on the skills I would need when running my own company, and from there I opened my own firm and I hope to provide ethical and professional services to the Darwin community.”

Graduations are happening this week at Charles Darwin University. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

Having moved from the Philippines to pursue her degree, Mrs Liwanag-Tran encouraged other international students to take on every opportunity.

“Embrace every challenge, celebrate every achievement, and remember that you’re not just building a career, but resilience, friendships, and a home away from home,” she said.

Mrs Liwanag-Tran is one of 1401 graduates receiving their awards from September 16 to 17.

However, the graduations this week are not just a new experience for students.

For the person handing out their degrees, newly minted CDU chancellor the honourable, Trevor Riley AO, it will also be his first time carrying out the ceremony.

“I am delighted to share my first graduation ceremony as CDU Chancellor with those who are about to start out in fresh careers and people like Joan who will be continuing forging their own pathways but with fresh, career-enhancing qualifications,” Mr Riley said.

“This is a big moment in students’ lives and I hope they each take some time to draw breath and reflect upon what they have achieved, culminating in their presence at this week’s celebrations.”