"Engineering felt like the perfect path to combine these passions. Initially, I started with software engineering, but I quickly realised that programming wasn’t my calling."
Engineering felt like the perfect path to combine these passions. Initially, I started with software engineering, but I quickly realised that programming wasn’t my calling. Chemical engineering drew me in because it offered a way to apply scientific principles to create sustainable solutions, particularly in areas like renewable energy. It’s a field that challenges me to think critically and creatively, which is what I love most.
Chemical engineering and commerce are a powerful combination because they equip you with both the technical skills to innovate and the business acumen to bring those innovations to life. Through my commerce studies, particularly in Business Analytics, I’ve learned the importance of understanding market dynamics and the art of ‘turning data into stories.’ These skills are crucial for ensuring that engineering projects are not only technically sound but also viable in the real world. I wish more engineering students knew just how valuable a business mindset can be when it comes to making a real impact.
Being a Senior Ambassador has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s given me the chance to connect with prospective students and share my journey, which I hope inspires others to pursue their passions, in engineering or otherwise. This role has also helped me develop confidence in public speaking and honed my ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that’s accessible to everyone. It’s been a great way to give back to the UNSW community while growing both personally and professionally.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and not be afraid of failure. Engineering is all about solving problems, and sometimes that means trying things that don’t work out the first time. But that’s where the learning happens. Secondly, explore different areas within engineering to find what truly excites you—there’s so much more to the field than meets the eye. And remember, it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away; the important thing is to keep moving forward.
I recount this story frequently, but I always enjoy retelling it. I first noticed Sunswift when I walked past their garage at UNSW a few years ago. I was amazed by the dedication of the students involved and thought, “That could never be me.” Later, an opportunity emerged to join their new chemical engineering stream, and I decided to go for it. It’s been an incredible journey so far. Leading the Alternative Energies Department has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. It taught me a lot about innovation, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are essential in engineering. It’s also deepened my passion for sustainability and made me even more committed to pursuing a career in renewable energy.
Landing the Junior Operations role at Inloop, which I first secured through an internship with UNSW, has been my most fulfilling achievement. This opportunity gave me my first taste of applying my skills in a real-world business setting. I was responsible for developing user-friendly guides, managing schedules, and optimising processes, which pushed me to think critically and adapt quickly. This experience showed me how the problem-solving mindset I developed in engineering could be valuable in a business context. It was incredibly rewarding to see how my contributions improved team efficiency and customer satisfaction. This role reinforced my belief in the importance of combining engineering thinking with business skills, motivating me to explore further opportunities where these fields intersect.
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