Gina Chiang -Taiwan, 23 April, 2024 | Gina working with electrical components
How did you find out about the internship?
Around a year ago, I initially interviewed for an internship at Rio Tinto but didn't perform well. However, this experience taught me valuable lessons about interviews. At the start of this year, I reapplied for internships, including at Rio Tinto, and actively participated in networking events and volunteer opportunities. QUT's project-based courses, thesis and VRES played a crucial role in providing real-world project experience and relevant knowledge. In the engineering industry, practical experience holds great importance, often outweighing grades in the eyes of employers. This experience not only enhanced my internship applications but also facilitated meaningful conversations with professionals during networking events. It provided topics for discussion, such as projects related to their companies or applying QUT course knowledge to their industry. QUT's career support emphasised the significance of LinkedIn, and I discovered internship opportunities through platforms like GradConnection and networking events.
Can you tell us a bit about your interview?
When undergoing the interview process at Rio Tinto's IS&T (Information Systems and Technology) department, the assessment comprised two distinct parts: a group activity and an individual interview. In the group activity, participants were grouped into teams of five and tasked with solving a technical problem, focusing on the design of a solution rather than specific technical coding. During this activity, the assessors observed team dynamics and how individuals approached problem-solving. My confidence in designing solutions and effective team communication was significantly boosted by my experience in QUT's courses, thesis work, and VRES. The practical exposure and teamwork practice in these QUT activities prepared me well for such scenarios.
The individual interview was divided into general and technical questions. General questions revolved around time and project management, as well as addressing challenges encountered during projects. Here, I drew upon my project experiences and applied lessons learned from QUT coursework. The technical questions, on the other hand, delved into technical coding. While they did touch upon coding concepts from my second year, which had become somewhat distant, I made every effort to recall and respond to these questions to the best of my ability during the interview. It must have worked as I got the internship!
What QUT opportunities helped you secure the role?
I've undertaken many student projects and research opportunities, such as the Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES). My first student project as part of my course involved the development of an embedded system for a line-following robot using Arduino IDE and C programming. The system was designed to include features such as line detection, colour detection, and turning indicators. I played a significant role in designing and implementing the line following system, including front sensor detection and motor control. I also worked on the slow zone and start-stop zone functionalities.
In my second student project as part of my course our team designed and built a UAV payload for navigation in simulated industrial environments. The payload had to measure air quality, detect and identify targets, and provide imagery and data to a ground station. I was responsible for the target acquisition and image processing subsystem. This involved pre-processing image data, training machine learning models for target detection, developing on-board image processing on a Raspberry Pi, and camera calibration for ArUCO marker pose estimation.
I also took part in VRES, which is a QUT initiative which allows students the opportunity to participate in a research project for approximately 6-10 weeks. My first project was to use augmented reality portals to step into other worlds. We developed an augmented reality prototype app that allowed users to transition between virtual worlds via portals. The second project goal was to improve existing electronic devices for real-time data storage and visualisation using single-board computers like Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
These experiences have enriched my practical knowledge and skills, allowing me to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. While I faced challenges in some projects, they provided valuable learning opportunities.
What did you do in your day-to-day at Rio Tinto?
As a Vacation Student at Rio Tinto, my day-to-day responsibilities revolved around the exciting opportunity to develop a project from scratch within the Product & Software Development (P&SD) department. This hands-on experience allowed me to immerse myself in the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualisation to implementation, providing invaluable insights into real-world engineering practices. I also had the chance to experience and practice different roles first-hand. This exposure enabled me to gain a holistic understanding of the software development process and appreciate the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving project success. My day typically involved collaborating with team members to brainstorm ideas, define project requirements, and design solutions that addressed specific challenges or opportunities identified within the organisation. I leveraged my technical skills and knowledge acquired through my university studies to contribute effectively to the project development efforts.
The working time is flexible at Rio Tinto which allowed me to manage my time effectively, balancing work responsibilities with other aspects of my life. Whether it's starting early in the morning or working later in the day, I was able to adapt my schedule to best suit my needs and preferences, ensuring optimal performance and well-being.
What advice do you have to other students thinking about QUT?
For prospective students considering QUT, my advice would be to embrace the diverse and dynamic learning environment offered by the university and to take advantage of all opportunities available to maximise your development. With a focus on real-world experiences, industry connections, and innovative teaching methods, QUT provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth, academic excellence, and career readiness. Choosing QUT means choosing a vibrant and supportive community where you'll have access to world-class facilities, industry-leading research, and a range of extracurricular activities. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning and a commitment to preparing students for the future of work, QUT empowers you to turn your aspirations into reality and make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
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