Hi, I'm Charmaine!
I'm in my Third Year of a Bachelor of Engineering / Master of Engineering (Software). 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?
My dad is a flight engineer, so I grew up surrounded by math and tech - he was one of the first people who knew I was meant for the engineering path, even before I realised it myself. But the real moment that really pushed me toward engineering was when I spent a year studying physiotherapy. That was when realised I am definitely a more of a math and tech person, and engineering just felt like the right fit for me.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose to study Software Engineering because I love the satisfaction of solving a tricky problem and turning logic into a functional software product. There’s nothing quite like seeing ideas come to life in code.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
One thing I wish I knew earlier about university or engineering is the EAIT study tours and the summer/winter research projects. They offer great opportunities to learn and connects with engineers beyond the classroom.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose engineering at the University of Queensland because of its strong reputation. But honestly, what convinced for me was the Great Court!
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
It’s okay that your projects or exams don’t go the way you hoped – it happens to everyone! Here’s a little secret: my code rarely passes the automatic grading on the first try. I’ve spent hours troubleshooting, only to realise it was because of something silly like an extra space in a line. Engineering is about learning, experimenting and figuring things out, so try to enjoy the journey!
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
The iPhone, it never fails to impress me every time I use it. It’s not just a phone, it’s a masterpiece of thoughtful design and advanced technology. Everything, from the way apps work together to little details like how smooth scrolling feels or how the visual elements are displayed, showcases the incredible work of software engineers.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
Since I have studied the Physiotherapy course for one year, I have experienced firsthand how important technology is in the health care field. I’d love to work on developing innovative medical software solutions the can improve patient care. At the same time, I’m really interested in user interfaces—creating designs that are not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. So, I am also interested in working as a front-end software engineer.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I want to encourage and help young women and men to follow their passions without hesitation.
