Cel Ileva is on a mission to help others succeed.
Her decade long international career includes founding her own company focussed on preparing graduates for the professional world of work.
She’s also penned a book offering them advice about how to land a job they love.
“I have two key tips. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from taking up opportunities. And it's never too late to believe in yourself, to believe in who you are and the strength that is inside you,” she said.
While her career was flourishing, Cel wanted to better understand the underlying influences that can affect a student’s performance at university, so she could support them more effectively.
“That was the missing piece for me. When a student is struggling academically, for example, there may be many factors that impact their performance,” she said.
“And, unless we know what they are, we can’t properly support them as they transition to work.”
A bold move to the Sunshine Coast
So, she decided to return to university – choosing to move from the UK to Australia to study a Master of Social Work at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Born in Mozambique, Cel has lived in Bulgaria, Canada and Portugal as well as 13 years in the UK where she earned an undergraduate honours degree in international business and management from Royal Holloway University of London and a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Cambridge.
“I could have easily studied in the UK. I wanted to try something different, new and unknown. I had never been to Australia before coming here to pursue my master’s degree,” she said.
Recognised with UniSC’s highest accolade
She’s now been awarded UniSC’s top honour for graduating students, The Chancellor’s Medal, in recognition of her outstanding academic performance and her service to the university and the community.
A recipient of an International Student Scholarship, Cel’s graduated with a perfect GPA of seven, building on her skills and experience during her two-year degree with work placements at UniSC Student Wellbeing and national youth mental health organisation, headspace.
“I found myself on the other end of the phone with young people experiencing crisis including bullying, abandonment, work and study pressures, relationship breakdowns and domestic and family violence,” she said.
“These experiences strengthened my ability to listen, remain calm under pressure and lead with empathy and professionalism.
“One of the greatest gifts of studying social work is training me to understand the person in their environment and meeting people where they are – not where I am.”
Driving UniSC and community initiatives
During her studies Cel took her own advice seizing opportunities as they arose.
As co-chair of UniSC’s International Student Group, she immersed herself in activities championing inclusion, belonging, student wellbeing and peer engagement.
Last year she led a student team of 12 who organised UniSC’s first TEDx event featuring eight speakers who delivered talks on the theme of interconnection with a focus on community, integrity and sustainability.
“It was an opportunity for students, staff, alumni and the community to share their expertise and to showcase the Sunshine Coast to millions of people around the world,” said Cel, who has presented two talks at other TEDx events.
In 2024 Cel created Convo Café, in collaboration with the Postgraduate Student Association, to help international students build confidence and connections over a free cup of coffee.
“It’s a safe space to chat and connect and an opportunity to encourage others to seek academic or wellbeing support if needed,” she said.
That same year, the Australian Association of Social Workers named Cel their Social Work Student of the Year.
Curiosity over comfort
She recalls her own first day at UniSC Sunshine Coast campus at Sippy Downs.
“If I think back to my first day stepping foot on campus, everything was so new. I didn't know anyone. Everything was unfamiliar – a new country, a new campus and no roadmap for navigating either.”
She thrived in a class of 12.
“Within my cohort, we all came from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
"The youngest student was 26 and the eldest was 70 which meant that our classroom was a beautiful reminder that there is no right timeline for learning, leadership or contribution,” she said.
A new chapter already in motion
For now, Cel’s pursuing roles in the tertiary education sector with a focus on student success, wellbeing, work placement readiness and academia.
And she’s encouraging fellow graduates to use their skills and strengths for the benefit of others.
“Now more than ever, the world needs us. Our talents and skills are not ours to keep. They're for the world. Someone out there is waiting for us to show up,” she said.
“A student is waiting for a graduate to be their teacher. A troubled youth is waiting for a graduate to be their counsellor. Or a family needs an advocate with values of one of our graduates.”
Already a member of UniSC’s External Advisory Committee for Social Work, Cel’s keen to remain involved with the university.
“It's been such a privilege to be able to call the University of the Sunshine Coast my home.
"I will continue to stay connected to the university in any way I can.
"As an alumna, it is my intention to continue giving back, to share knowledge and continue contributing to a place that's meant so much to me over the past two years.”
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