Hi, I'm Mikala!
I'm in my Second Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry). 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?
I always had a passion for maths and science at school, and I loved problem-solving, so I knew that my future career would be a STEM pathway. My parents and high school math teacher inspired me to choose engineering. In grade 11 and 12, my math teacher would always talk about engineering, and how what we were learning had a real-world application. I was always interested in these conversations, and loved hearing about how engineering changed the world. I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and my teacher helped me see that engineering could allow me to achieve that goal. I was also fortunate that my parents always encouraged me to pursue a career that I wanted to do and would make me happy. So, the possibilities were endless, and when I eventually chose engineering, I didn’t feel unsupported.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
When I knew that I wanted to study engineering, I was interested in the ways in which engineering solutions impacted the environment. So, I knew the chemical specialisation was the pathway I wanted to take. In my first semester at UQ, studying thermodynamics confirmed to me that this was the right decision. I was able to study the interactions between energy and the environment on a deeper level. I also saw how engineering solutions implemented environmental considerations into the design process, which was something that I wanted to apply in my engineering career. From this, I knew chemical engineering was what I wanted to pursue.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
When I started at UQ, I wish I knew that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. University is quite different from school, and I thought I was the only one struggling to adjust. Finding a new routine for myself and having to make friends was intimidating, but almost everyone had to figure this out too. You’re not alone!
Also, people told me that university was hard because I had to be independent. Whilst this is true, there is a multitude of support available from lecturers and tutors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and go to extra support sessions to ensure you understand the content. I struggled to understand all of the content immediately, and felt as though I wasn’t good enough to be studying engineering alongside the people who seemed to understand everything naturally. However, the support sessions are there for a reason; if you’re struggling, take advantage of them!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
The flexible first year available to first year engineering students at UQ was something that definitely appealed to me. Whilst I knew I would likely pursue chemical engineering, knowing that I could study courses relevant to other specialisations just to confirm my decision was ideal for me. It assured me that if I no longer wanted to study chemical engineering, I had the opportunity to find a specialisation that I wanted to pursue.
Also, I attended the UQ open day, which further helped with my decision. Talking to other engineering students confirmed to me that UQ was where I wanted to study, as they all seemed to enjoy their university experience. So, being the WE tent at the open day was also so reassuring. I saw that there was such a good community for women in engineering, and as I already felt slightly intimidated, seeing the support available renewed my confidence and led me to choosing UQ.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Get involved! When I first started at UQ, I convinced myself that I had limited opportunities because I was only in my first year, but this was not true! There is no harm in attending events that may seem applicable only to older students. Attend careers fairs and talk to industry professionals, as they can also give you advice for your studies and information on engineering in general. Definitely grab every opportunity that comes your way, as the experiences you leave with are often invaluable.
Also, put yourself out there! In the first few weeks of semester, almost everyone is nervous, doesn’t have many friends, and is trying to navigate university. So, if you see someone sitting by themselves, or see a small group of peers that seem friendly, introduce yourself. Make friends with the people at your table in workshops and tutorials. Also go to the First Year Engineering Learning Centre (FYELC), as that is where you will come to see many familiar faces. This was how I met some of my closest friends. Having the support of friends and people to lean on was integral to my first year.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
In 2019, I travelled to Rome in Italy to visit my family. It was here that I saw the Pons Fabricius – the oldest bridge in Rome. It was built in 62 B.C. but is still in use today! I was astounded by the ingenuity of the ancient Roman engineers, and how they constructed the bridge in such a way that it had been able to withstand the test of time. I believe it is a great example of amazing engineering, as it shows how engineers can use their unique skills, mindsets, and knowledge to create a solution that can greatly impact many future generations.
What’s your dream engineering job when you graduate?
Whilst I am still unsure of my dream engineering job, I would love to travel to different worksites where I can work in a team of like-minded individuals to create innovative and sustainable solutions. I want to be able to apply my knowledge to develop solutions that are environmentally viable and positively impact our society, including many generations to come.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a WE leader, I hope to inspire those intimidated by a male-dominated industry to have the courage to pursue their dream. I want to contribute to creating an engineering industry where a diverse range of opinions are respected, valued, and encouraged. I wish to show young women that a career in engineering is possible, and that they should not be deterred for fear that they would not be supported in the field.
