Hi, I’m Hargun!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Commerce (Chemical Engineering and Finance). I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about chemical engineering and finance and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
I’ve always had a passion to challenge myself, and I was inspired to choose engineering because, believe it or not, I’ve always enjoyed tackling the challenging Maths PSMTs in high school. There aren’t many women in engineering, and I want to encourage more young people, especially girls, to explore it and see that with curiosity and determination, they can succeed and make an impact.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose chemical engineering because I’ve always liked understanding how things work, especially through maths and science. In first year, I took thermodynamics and really enjoyed it - it showed me how concepts like energy balances, heat transfer, efficiency, and analysing worst-case scenarios connect to real industrial processes. Studying commerce alongside engineering has also helped me appreciate the business and economic decisions behind these systems. Together, they give me a broader perspective on both the technical and strategic sides of industry.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
One thing I wish I knew earlier is how important it is to ask questions and seek help. In high school, teachers often guide you step by step, but at university, you’re expected to figure a lot out on your own. Reaching out to lecturers, tutors, or classmates makes learning much more effective and far less stressful.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose engineering at the University of Queensland because it not only has a strong reputation for chemical engineering (number 1 in QLD) but also has an incredibly supportive community. The tutors and lecturers are approachable and understanding, and I knew I’d be learning in an environment where collaboration and guidance are valued as much as technical skills.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
My best tip would be to stay on top of your work and manage your time well. Engineering concepts build on each other, so keeping up with lectures, tutorials, and assignments from the start makes everything much more manageable. I’d also recommend making a study planner and collaborating with other students - working together helps you understand difficult concepts faster and makes studying more enjoyable.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
One of my favourite examples of amazing engineering is the work that goes into the everyday products we often take for granted, like making our medicines or food safe and accessible. It’s incredible to see how chemical engineers apply maths, chemistry, and problem-solving to design systems that improve millions of lives.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream job after graduation is to start in consulting engineering, working on a variety of projects where I can help companies solve technical problems, improve processes, and optimise systems. I love that consulting combines problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration across different industries. In the long term, I aspire to use my engineering experience, leadership skills, and strategic thinking to eventually become the CEO of a company, driving innovation and making a meaningful impact.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a Women in Engineering student leader, I hope to inspire and support more young women to explore engineering and feel confident in their abilities. I want to create a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels encouraged to ask questions, take on challenges, and pursue their goals. Ultimately, I hope to show that engineering is not just about technical skills - it’s about collaboration, creativity, and making a real impact.
