"My employability has doubled due to the fact that my degree is a combination of electronic, mechanical and computer engineering."
Matthew graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) in 2007 and currently works at Rio Tinto Alcan’s bauxite mine and alumina refinery in Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory. He said studying Mechatronic Engineering at UQ had opened up a diverse range of employment opportunities.
“My employability has doubled due to the fact that my degree is a combination of electronic, mechanical and computer engineering,” Matthew said. “Mechatronic engineers are employed in a wide range of industries. As the world of smart machines advances, our opportunities for employment can only increase. “For example, when I first started my degree I never thought that I’d be working on-site at a mine, however, the skills taught at UQ make anything possible.”
While he is currently focused on expanding his skills as an electrical engineer, Matthew is keen to pursue a career in robotics or control systems in the years ahead. “I’ve always been interested in robotics. One of the best parts of my degree was a semester-long project that required us to design, manufacture, assemble and program a robotic mouse,” he said. “The Micromouse, as it was affectionately called, had to find its way into the centre of a maze, then find its way back out, and then find a quicker way back into the middle. “Let me just say, there were many late nights spent at uni that semester. However, the results were worth it in the end.”
In addition to the compulsory two months he spent working in industry as part of his degree, Matthew also took part in a 12-month industry-based thesis project with a multi-national defence systems company. “The thesis, which must be undertaken in your final year, taught me a lot. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been involved in such an interesting and hands-on project,” Matthew said. “I would highly recommend the CEED* program to any final year engineering student. It was helpful having knowledgeable colleagues there for support and I learnt a great deal about how industry actually works.”
Matthew said there were many highlights during his study at UQ. He enjoyed the beautiful campus and in particular hanging out with his friends. “The facilities, whether it was computer labs, libraries or the academic staff were all fantastic,” Matthew said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the four years I spent at UQ; it’s definitely an experience I will never forget.”
*CEED links UQ students with companies/government for industry-based projects. Projects are integrated with students’ University degrees and completed during their final year. Students work on-site with their industry host for the duration of the project.
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Matthew Sorrensen at Rio Tinto Alcan's bauxite mine and alumina refinery in the Northern Territory
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