Meet Charlotte, Ben, Hieu, Kiarie, Cameron and Angela.
After years of hard work in the lab, out in the field and in the classroom, they’re six of over 250 engineering and computing students graduating this month – and we couldn’t be more proud!
With their time at ANU coming to an end, we’ve asked them to reflect on their time at ANU, and share with us their exciting plans for the future.
What has been the best thing about studying at ANU?
“The best thing about studying at ANU is the flexibility that you have within your degree. There are a number of electives which allow you to really explore what areas of study interest you the most” Charlotte, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
“Absolutely the people! I have met some really awesome people doing my degree, and have had the chance to work on many interesting group projects. That’s one of the great things about studying engineering and computing at ANU: people are always willing to help each other out and work together. There’s a great sense of community” Cameron, Bachelor of Information Technology/Engineering (Honours).
“Immersing myself in a pool of outstanding researchers, and learning from big names in the field” Hieu, PhD in Photovoltaics.
“The teamwork in nearly all my courses, and the trust that ANU has afforded me in undertaking my research projects” Ben, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Science.
“The access to mentorship – so many of the departments are led by people willing to share their passion with those who want to put the effort in” Kiarie, Master of Computing.
What has been your greatest achievement as an ANU student?
“My greatest achievement was undertaking and completing my final year honours project. I learnt so much, and it was very rewarding to look back on my work and see what I had achieved” Charlotte.
“The breadth of knowledge and lessons I was able to acquire from great mentors and academic staff” Angela.
“My greatest achievement during my time as an ANU student actually relates to my extracurricular work with Engineers Without Borders, where I led the ACT Chapter as President during my final year at university” Cameron.
“I published 11 first-author peer-reviewed scientific papers (nine journals and two conference proceedings), and had one journal paper under review. I also co-authored another 10 scientific publications. My supervisor and I established the Micro-Photoluminescence laboratory, located in Engineering building. We also received an Australian-US collaboration grant from Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) to continue my research at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado in 2017” Hieu.
“I can think of two. The first is pushing the boundaries of my degree and undertaking my honours project in a non-traditional engineering area: the design of smart phone applications as tools to improve the youth mental health sector. Secondly, coordinating an LGBTIQ* Inclusion training for ANU Executive in 2015 through my role at the ANU Students Association” Ben.
Why do you think your ANU qualification will be a good asset?
“My graduate job, a position with engineering firm Avanade, requires me to have good background knowledge in technology, which I have developed greatly throughout my degree. In this role I will be dealing with customer requirements and integrating technology back into the company. The systems focus of the ANU engineering degree has provided me with a good background for this role” Charlotte.
“Systems engineering has provided me with skills in project management, which will definitely be an asset for my graduate position at an engineering construction firm” Angela.
“ANU is a world-leading institute in term of research and education. PhD graduates from the photovoltaic group, in particular, have very high reputations for research productivity and high-impact works in the field” Hieu.
“It has provided me with the necessary skills to navigate the future and inspired me to be a lifelong learner. While I am far from a specialist, my skills are general and transferrable to an endless range of industries and sectors. The university’s reputation for academic rigour will give me a foot in the door at places both nationally and internationally” Ben.
“It’s both nationally and internationally accepted as the gold standard for university degrees” Kiarie.
My career goals include…
“Being in a position where I get to work directly with people and for people. The ANU engineering degree has shown me how important communication is within a project, and I hope to apply this within my career” Charlotte.
“I hope to combine my interests in electronics and communication engineering, and passion for renewable energy. A lot of smart devices that communicate with each other already play a major role in energy efficient systems, so a career in this industry will be in-demand in the near future” Angela.
“Before starting at ANU I had never even considered humanitarian engineering as an option. Now after my experiences (both in courses and extracurricular activities) getting involved with humanitarian engineering is at the top of my list” Cameron.
“Developing my own start-up around disrupting the rental market, becoming a leading academic in the area of behavioural economics, mental health & technology and being a CEO of a multinational company” Ben.
“I’d love to move to Silicon Valley and apply my skills in machine learning in an interesting application” Kiarie.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying at ANU?
“Get involved in extracurricular activities. They are a great way to meet new people and provide balance between work and fun” Charlotte.
“The ANU has not only nourished my growth academically, but it has definitely contributed to my personal growth. The university experience can be rewarding, yet a struggle at the same time. ANU provides a wide range of services which should be made use of, such as the ANU counselling centre. Do not hesitate to ask for help academically, most people are more than happy to give their expertise” Angela.
“Get involved with extracurricular activities as soon as you can. It has been the most rewarding part of my time at ANU and I highly encourage it” Cameron.
“ANU is always a good choice. Be prepared to work with many talented students and world-class researchers. Attend Market day and ANU Open Day to find out about opportunities and the capabilities of different groups across the university” Hieu.
“Do it! My experience at ANU has been transformative. If you don’t see your passion reflected in your degree, make it happen! ANU allowed the flexibility and trust to tailor my Engineering/Science degree to my passion of youth mental health and technology. You can do the same. All you need is passion and persistence. The diversity of ANU community will expose you to ideas you had never even thought of and help you to develop a global network” Ben.
“Consider finding out what research opportunities your degree can offer you, make sure you consult with your degree coordinator regularly, and keep an eye out for trends in the market and try and adjust some your courses to fit them. This will make you more marketable once you graduate, as well as show potential employers your ability to apply yourself effectively” Kiarie.
Our graduating students now join a prestigious global alumni community of more than 97,000 whose ideas, creativity, research and contributions are shaping and influencing the world in which we live.
If you’re an engineering or computer science student graduating from ANU, don’t forget to stay in touch and share your achievements with us in the coming years because wherever you go ANU is part of who you are.
Make sure you keep in touch by joining our Alumni Facebook and LinkedIn Groups.
Email alumni.cecs@anu.edu.au to update your details.