Hi, I’m Cesca!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about mechanical and aerospace engineering and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
Choosing engineering was a daunting decision for me, especially being one of very few in my family to attend university, and the only one who is pursuing a STEM pathway. However, I knew that my passion lay with science and maths - spending much of my free time in high school teaching myself concepts I found interesting or reading different technologies. My decision to choose engineering is rooted in my desire to work within an industry that allows me to be interested in what I work on, a job that allows me to problem solve and be hands on. Engineering allows all of these, and then some. The opportunities available are endless, and I am so excited to explore them all!
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
As a kid I had a deep interest in space and planes but never had many opportunities to explore it. However, coming to UQ allowed me to reignite that interest and explore areas of aerospace I had never considered. Within my courses, I always enjoy the aspects that lean into how things work, and I especially love when I get to design and create something myself. I am excited to explore aerospace and continue to learn more about what this industry has to offer!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
The opportunities! I was unsure what engineering was for me and was worried I would be limited by the programs offered in universities. UQ’s enormous range of disciplines offered me the freedom I was looking for, as well as the opportunities each area could offer. Outside of the curriculum, the societies and clubs foster a fantastic social network as well as running awesome events that connect me with likeminded people.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Be smart with your time. Engineering has an enormous workload that can stack up in the blink of an eye. You don’t have to start an assignment right away, but you should know when you will start it so that you can get it done on time, and in conjunction with your other assessment pieces. I also highly encourage going to all your classes. Not only do you learn better, but most of the time the other students attending are motivated and driven - the exact sort of people you want around you in this degree.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
My goal is to show women that they are capable and smart enough to pursue engineering. I hope that my passion for what I study will motivate the next generation of women in engineering.
