Tsholofelo Carly

Mechanical Engineering
Business Management

Degree: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering / Bachelor of Business Management

Who or what made you choose to study this?

During my A-levels, I particularly enjoyed my physics classes, thanks to a teacher who made learning incredibly engaging and fun. His enthusiasm and commitment not only made the subject enjoyable but also instilled in us the belief that we could excel if we gave ourselves a chance. Initially, I didn’t perform well in physics but as time passed, my interest grew significantly, and my grades improved massively. I developed a curiosity about how complex systems work, particularly electric cars and was eager to one day learn more about them. This curiosity ultimately led me to choose mechanical engineering as it broadly covers different aspects of how systems work.

I also chose to study business management because of my experiences as a volunteer during high school. I was often tasked with selling items to raise funds for various causes, which sparked a genuine interest in business. I loved engaging in conversations about businesses and all the drama in the business world, which inspired me to explore this field further at university.

Why did you choose to study at UQ?

To be honest, after receiving the opportunity to study at any university abroad with a scholarship, I always wanted to come to Australia. I researched all the universities here but what stood out to me about the University of Queensland was its excellent dual degree program. This program allows me to pursue both engineering and business simultaneously which aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests. I didn't hesitate once I saw what UQ offered, and I selected it.

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

It is valuable to learn from others' experiences but remember that someone else's hard might not necessarily be your hard. While it is helpful to hear about others' journeys don't always gauge your own abilities by comparing them to others. You might find that what seems difficult for someone else comes naturally to you. So, stay open to learning from others but also trust your own potential and abilities.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

After graduation, I hope to work on innovative projects particularly in the fields of engineering asset management, mining, or renewable energy. These sectors align with my interests of protecting the environment while creating value from the resources we have.