Chiara Musso

I want to demonstrate to young females who are interested in STEM that a career in engineering is attainable and enjoyable.

Hi, I'm Chiara!

I'm in my Final Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical and Aerospace. 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 have always been fascinated by how things function and are constructed, even as a small child. I didn't contemplate pursuing engineering till the end of grade 12 because I didn't grow up around engineers. My math teacher served as an inspiration to me because he constantly went above and above to show his students how to use numbers in real-world situations. He exposed me to the field of engineering and all its unending opportunities. I fell in love with it right away and haven't turned back since.
 

Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?  

I chose to study Mechanical Engineering majoring in Aerospace because of my passion for flying and space. As someone who genuinely appreciates using scientific ideas to tackle challenging problems, the multidisciplinary character of the discipline, which combines mechanics, materials, and thermodynamics, appeals to me. In the end, I hope to push the limits of what is possible in this field of study and contribute to the creation of new technologies as the world changes.
 

What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier? 

I now see how difficult it was for me to strike a balance between my career, study, social life, and personal well-being during my first year at university. I neglected my needs and frequently found myself exhausted from studying as a result. I did, however, discover the hard way how important it is to strike a balance and set aside time for all facets of life, not just academics. Having learned how to prioritise tasks and manage my time effectively, I was able to design a study schedule that included time for other pursuits like exercising, hobbies, and socialising with friends and family. I was able to strike a better balance between my academic, professional, and personal lives by learning to prioritise my time and learn to say "no" to some responsibilities. All things considered, I now see that striking a balance is necessary for success at university and that time management and prioritisation skills are crucial tools for doing so.
 

Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students? 

The best advice I can give first-year engineering students is to actively look for support and assistance when they need it. Engineering courses can be difficult, therefore it's common to struggle occasionally. Yet, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're not alone and that there are a lot of tools out there to support your success. Never be afraid to ask your lecturers, tutors, or fellow students for help or clarification on the course material. Participating in study groups or using tutoring services can also be very helpful. You can remain on top of your schoolwork and enhance your comprehension of the subject matter by asking for help early on and frequently.
 

Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering? 

Cameron Hughes, a fashion designer who uses cutting-edge engineering methods to produce magnificent garments that merge art and technology, is one of my favourite examples of outstanding engineering. Hughes develops sophisticated clothing designs that challenge conventional fashion using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and 3D printing. He has made dresses with countless tiny LED lights, for instance, that are programmed to alter colour and pattern in reaction to the wearer's motions. To produce gowns with a distinctive feel and appearance, he has also used materials like silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane. Hughes' work serves as an example of how engineering can be used to develop truly original and stunning designs in creative industries like fashion. His work is proof of the ability of engineering to inspire creativity and invention in unanticipated ways.
 

What's your dream engineering job when you graduate? 

I love engineering, but I haven't decided on a particular dream profession just yet. I'm still open to exploring new and developing career possibilities as I continue to investigate the many opportunities within the industry. Even though I think that my ideal career may not even exist yet, I am eager to keep expanding my engineering knowledge and skills while also remaining open to future opportunities.
 

What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader? 

I want to encourage and support more girls to pursue careers in engineering as a Women in Engineering student leader.  I want to demonstrate to young females who are interested in STEM that a career in engineering is attainable and enjoyable.  In addition to raising awareness of the prospects and advantages of a career in engineering, my goals include developing a community of support and mentorship for women in the industry and fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. I am dedicated to making a positive contribution to this vital effort because I firmly believe that expanding diversity in engineering is necessary to spur innovation and address difficult problems.

 

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Chiara Musso