Caleb

Engineering (Honours)
(Civil)

Who or what made you choose to study this?

My interest in civil engineering developed from a combination of my strength in mathematics and physics and my curiosity about how infrastructure shapes cities and improves people’s lives. Experiences such as leading structural design projects and being exposed to real-world engineering problems reinforced my decision to pursue this field.

How did you find out about UQ?

I first learned about UQ through researching top engineering universities globally and through recommendations from teachers and peers. Its strong academic reputation and focus on practical learning stood out to me.

Did you attend any events at UQ in the lead up to choosing to come here? If so please tell us what.

While I did not attend in-person events before enrolling, I explored UQ extensively through online resources, virtual information sessions, and student shared experiences, which gave me a good understanding of the university environment and opportunities.

What kinds of things did you want to know when you were choosing what university to go to?

I focused on the quality of teaching, industry connections, opportunities for hands on experience, research exposure, and overall student support. Campus culture and opportunities for personal development were also important factors.

Why did you choose to study at UQ?

I chose UQ because of its strong engineering program, emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning, and the wide range of opportunities available, from research to industry engagement. The supportive and collaborative environment also made it a great fit for me.

What are your favourite facilities and resources available to you at UQ?

I particularly value the engineering labs, collaborative learning spaces, and access to specialised software such as SIDRA. The teaching support, including tutorials and consultation sessions, has also been very helpful.

Have you been able to have practical experiences within your degree (e.g. work experience, industry projects etc.)? If so, please provide some highlights.

Yes, I have gained practical experience through projects such as traffic modelling using SIDRA and designing a flood-resistant floating house prototype under real world constraints. These experiences strengthened my problem-solving skills and ability to apply theory to practice.

What’s been your favourite course so far and why?

ENGG1700 has been one of my favourite courses because it builds a strong foundation in engineering principles while encouraging problem solving and critical thinking. Being a teaching assistant for the course has also deepened my understanding and appreciation of the content.

Highlights of your past year at UQ

Some highlights include being placed on the Dean’s Honours List, becoming a teaching assistant, and working on impactful team-based engineering projects. These experiences have been both academically and personally rewarding.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering studying at UQ, what would that be?

Take initiative early, get involved in projects, ask questions, and make use of the support available. The more you engage, the more you will gain from your experience.

Have you participated in any internships / work? If so tell us a bit about it, what did you enjoy most about the experience?

Yes, I worked as an Engineering Assistant, where I contributed to infrastructure related projects and feasibility assessments. I particularly enjoyed seeing how engineering concepts are applied in real world contexts and collaborating with professionals from different backgrounds.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

I hope to pursue a career in civil engineering, working on infrastructure projects that create meaningful impact, while continuing to develop both technical expertise and leadership skills.

Are you a member of any student societies / participate in extra curricular activities? Tell us a bit about it. 

I have been actively involved in team-based engineering projects and leadership roles, where I organised training and guided teams to achieve strong results in competitions. These experiences have strengthened my teamwork and leadership abilities.

Did you achieve the initial ATAR you wanted to get into your chosen program? If not, tell us a bit about your journey as to how you got into the degree you are studying now.

I did not follow the ATAR pathway, as I completed my high school education in Hong Kong where a different academic system is used. Instead, my entry into engineering was based on my academic performance and achievements in that system. Throughout this journey, I remained focused on building a strong foundation in mathematics and science, which prepared me well for university-level engineering. Transitioning into my current degree at UQ has been a rewarding experience, and it has reinforced my commitment to pursuing civil engineering.