Hi, I'm Prianka!
I'm in my Third Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Dual Program. 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?
In high school I knew I wanted to go down the STEM pathway. I had crossed engineering out because at the time my understanding of engineering was that I would end up working on machines and in big factories, a career pathway that didn’t interest me at all. However, after questioning my parents who are both engineers, my eyes were opened to the endless possibilities.
As I started researching about engineering I was drawn to how a degree could incorporate inventing, designing, building and evaluating to produce the optimum solution to a problem. It is one of the most diverse fields covering renewable energy to medicine. Even if you are interested in something niche there is a place for you in engineering. The most exciting part of engineering for me is that I can go into any field not just stay in the EAIT sector, travel with world and have new projects everyday because of how flexible the field is.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I have been fascinated with robotics and AI since senior school. When I enrolled in my degree, I found the perfect majors that allowed me to pursue a career in the robotics field. My mechatronics specialisation provides me with knowledge in the mechanical, electrical and software field which is crucial for creating the hardware aspect of robots.
My computer science degree with a major in machine learning will provide me with knowledge in Artificial Intelligence. With skills that I will accumulate from my dual degree, I hope to integrate machine learning modules into hardware structures.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
One thing I would tell my younger self is to not stress so much about knowing exactly where I want my life to lead. University is there to be explore all of your options. No matter who pressures you, the reality is you create your own story. The unknown can be daunting and terrifying but you will meet so many beautiful people and be filled with so many rich experiences so do not be afraid.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose engineering at UQ for a number of reasons. Being a member of the thriving engineering club, EUS, has allowed to meet like-minded people, build my networking skills and be exposed to the industry. In addition, having the chance to take part in a global experience that is integrated into my degree is so exciting. The fact that my degree does not get longer because I participate in this program is very calming. Finally, I am grateful for the state of the art facilities that are so unique and accessible at UQ.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
My biggest advice for first-year engineering student is to get involved. You’ve probably been told this so many times before but I can tell you it’s worth it. By taking the leap into the unknown if gives you the chance to learn and make so many new friends.
In my first year I joined every club that excited me including the UQ Cheer and Dance team. I had never been a cheerleader or dancer before but nevertheless we won Cheer Nationals last year! I will cherish the memories and friends that came out of this wonderful experience. Reflecting back I realised none of it would have been possible if I didn’t put myself out there.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
Of course we have all heard about ChatGPT. It has taken over the internet and is now a household name. Machine learning is not a new concept since many AI models have been built over the years but Chat GPT was the first to work in such a stream line fashion ready for commercial use. It can write essays in a second by using a database that includes millions of documents. However, every amazing technology comes with limitations. There is no process in place to verify the authenticity of the database or check if there is an inherit bias in the database. Thus, the essays ChatGPT writes may will reflect that false information or bias. This is a problem in the machine learning industry that must be tackled.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I am not entirely sure what my dream job will look like and I think that’s okay. I definitely see myself in the Machine Learning sector working on projects like Chat GPT. I would also love to be a leader and go into a management role. I believe my technical skills mixed with my interpersonal skills would allow me to build the bridge between the technical side of a software project and the business side. B
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I hope to inspire more girls to see engineering as an option they can choose. Diversity is so important in many fields including engineering as it provides more perspective to come up with an effective solution. I hope to show girls that they should not be overwhelmed or hindered by any stereotype around engineering because there is a place for you in this field and you will find it.
