Signe Schmidt, Denmark, 6 November, 2024 | Signe Schmidt, Master of Professional Engineering (Civil with Management), Denmark
Why study engineering at QUT
I chose QUT because it’s one of the leading universities in Australia for engineering and project management.Instead of solely focusing on structures or management, I had a chance to combine the two fields. I selected this course so I wouldn’t have to compromise what I wanted to get out of my master’s degree. I appreciate that I can combine mandatory units with electives and plan my timetable myself, allowing me to choose the units I wanted and more freedom in my education.
QUT, a world of opportunities
I received the QUT International Merit Scholarship which has helped me with my tuition fee and given me more time to focus on my studies instead of working. I was pleasantly surprised by the talented professors and the opportunities you have at QUT in any field you choose. You can do the exact project you want with the supervisors you like, learn about entrepreneurship, or whatever interests you. At QUT, if you put in the extra work, you will be rewarded and treated as a professional. There are numerous opportunities here, you simply need to seek them out.
What ‘real-world’ learning looks like in engineering
The real world to most people is probably being able to get a job after graduation, but the real world to me is having opportunities in all aspects of my future life whether I choose to get a job in a company, freelance, start my own company, or get a job in a university. Real-world in my course is the work integrated learning I’ve undertaken, my project and my supervisors who have helped me realise what I want in my career because they introduced me to a new aspect of the engineering field that I have yet to explore.
Testing my skills in the real world
I work as a student assistant at Arup, which is an engineering company in Brisbane. I’m part of the civil structures department, where I contribute to civil projects, for example conducting calculations on retaining walls or noise barrier walls. Having worked at a similar company and department in Denmark, I find the most valuable experience has been understanding the professional work culture in Australia, which I enjoy.
Student life
I met many new friends through university group work, but also through events at Welcome Week. I’ve been to swimming lessons and social soccer a couple of times, which I've really enjoyed. It’s nice that it is free and there’s several sessions to choose from.
