Hi, I'm Liberty!
I'm in my Fourth Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialising in Mechanical Engineering. I caught up with the Women in Engineering team to chat all things engineering and offer my advice to new engineering students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
The first thought of studying Engineering came from a google search titled ‘careers for people who are good at Math’! Inspired by a love of Science and Math subjects in high school, a desire to see the world and sustain a meaningful career – Engineering was the perfect option. My Physics and Specialist Maths teacher were both ex-engineers who encouraged me to pursue this dream.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose a Mechanical discipline because it provides a broad range of career opportunities! From machines, to mining, to prosthetics or any type of manufacturing, you are guaranteed never to be short of a job – or bored at work!
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew more about social clubs, making friends in class and participating UQ and EUS Events. Although Engineering is a difficult (but rewarding) degree, the like-minded people you meet throughout the years is what makes university the best time of your life!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
UQ offers a broad range of courses, minors/majors and societies that cannot be matched by anywhere else! Additionally, UQ offers fantastic Orientation Week activities that allow you to learn more about your degree, facilities available and a perfect way to make new friends.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
My best tip for first year engineering students, is to ask questions! In lectures, tutorials, contacts or practicals, if something doesn’t make sense, just ask a tutor. There is likely going to be another student wondering the same thing but too nervous to ask. This also helps in keeping up with the coursework. It’s important not to fall behind, especially because most courses have heavily weighted final exams.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
A particularly exciting example of engineering I had heard from in the workplace, is from a colleague who was only two years into his job as a Mechanical Engineer. Despite being one of the youngest in the office, he was able to convince his boss to fly him to the USA to assist a manufacturing plant with getting a jet engine up and running. They agreed and he was successful in enabling the engine to operate as required – despite coming up again people with 30+ years of experience!
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I have lots of dreams! I have a dream to be a Engineering Manager for a major mining company – focusing on machines and reliability engineering. I also have dreams of assisting with the manufacturing of prosthetics in a hospital or something similar. That’s what I love about Engineering – you are able to dream as big as you want!
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I hope to encourage more young women to pursue this greatly rewarding career. I also hope to assist all young people in not giving up when things start to get tricky. Especially in first year engineering, some content is difficult and foreign at first – but is it important to persist in understanding as all the information is extremely useful!
