UQ graduate Ben Appleton is working as a software engineer for one of the world's most recognised companies:
After obtaining a
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (first class honours and University Medal)
and Bachelor of Science(Mathematics), and completing his PhD in image analysis
in 2005, Ben joined Google.
Google is the provider of the world’s best known Internet search engine. Since 2005, Ben has worked on a number of high profile projects, including Google Maps.
“I was attracted to UQ because of its strong name internationally, which opens up a host of opportunities for graduates,” Ben said. “I found that the first year of Engineering gave me the opportunity to try out a few
specialisations and to find out where my passions were.
“UQ supports a wide range of combined degree programs and I really enjoyed the interplay between my studies in engineering and in mathematics.” Ben said UQ had one of the strongest engineering programs in Australia. “A UQ Engineering graduate has the opportunity to study anywhere in the world,” Ben said. “The thing I enjoyed most was working with my fellow students and lecturers – it really motivated me to excel.”10
When Ben moved into postgraduate studies he worked with researchers from UQ and CSIRO and found that there were always interesting problems to solve. “I enjoyed seeing my research published in highly respected journals and getting the opportunity to present it at international conferences,” he said.
Ben, who is now based in Sydney, said he was working among some of the brightest minds in computer science. “I’m constantly surprised at how theory from my studies finds its application in my day-to-day work,” he said.
“Working at Google is a lot of fun; there’s plenty of smart people to work with and you’re solving a new problem every day.”
Mr James Friend, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) (Hons 1), 2007, says:
I
had no idea what I wanted to specialise in after finishing school, and
Mechatronics stood out to me - it covers many different disciplines of
Engineering. The UQ Engineering degree has exposed me to a wide range of
areas - more than other universities can - and as I've progressed, I've been
able to focus on the ones that interest me the most.
Automation/Control Systems/Robotics is now my main interest. I've received Dean's Commendations for consistent high achievement and won an award for the best industrial thesis project in the School of ITEE in 2006. I got an industry placement with a fresh food producer and developed an automated visual image grading system to allow for robotic selection of broccoli heads. A course I did in my degree called Signal and Image Processing was very practical and helped with my real world project.
I originally came from Gladstone, and being able to live on the St Lucia campus at one of the residential colleges was a great help.
Doing Engineering at UQ opens up so many options and will definitely lead you to a rewarding career.
Miss Morgan Strain, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) (Hons 2A), 2006, says:
I
chose UQ because it seemed to be really well-known for its Engineering program
and because I liked the campus and facilities available to students.
Being a hands-on person who likes to know how things work, I gravitated towards Mechatronic Engineering, as it allowed me to combine my interests in mechanical and electrical engineering. I was also interested in robotics.
Before I started my studies, I never really considered myself a computer programmer, but I did a number of software programming courses and found them interesting. I was able to do electives in other areas that interested me as well. In one course were taught to use a number of programs to control robots - we learned the theory behind control systems, but also how robotics are applied in industry.
During my studies, I gained a scholarship to complete an industry thesis, which was a great experience and provided me with valuable skills for the workforce. I've started work with global engineering company ABB. I will complete 6 four-month rotations in a number of areas of the company, including robotics and power electronics. One rotation will be spent working on a project overseas. I hope eventually to work in the research and development of robotics for industrial applications.
To those considering UQ I say 'go for it' - it's a great university that offers students many opportunities and facilities, both academic and otherwise.
Mr Tony Myatt, Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Hons 2A), and Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), 2007, says:
I
decided to take the Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) because I was
interested in electronics, so I felt working in electronics would allow me to
enjoy my job more. I took Computer Science because it was hard to turn
down getting a second degree for an extra year's work.
So far my favourite course has been a fourth-year one where there were no lectures or tutorials - instead four projects and an exam. This meant most of the learning was done by reading data sheets and implementing the project yourself. I like this kind of learning and doing things for yourself.
I'm not really sure yet what kind of job I would like, but during the School of ITEE's annual student innovation expo I was approached by a few firms. Some of the businesses that I've worked at over the summer break are also possibilities.
I've always felt that UQ is the best university in Brisbane. From what I hear from other universities, the 'uni life' at UQ is great. It's not only a place to study, but gives good opportunities to spend time with friends.
Mr Jess Morecroft, Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) (Hons I), 2001, says:
I’m
currently working in London, as a C++ developer for Barclays Capital Investment
Bank. It’s great, very challenging work. I’m developing server components for
their online trading systems, and finding that a lot of the computer science
theory I learnt back at UQ really was worthwhile.
Prior to that, I worked for IBM Tivoli on the Gold Coast, where thongs and board shorts were the order of the day. It was a very casual, friendly environment, with a very professional and talented team of developers, and I had a great time working there.
The nature of UQ’s engineering degree – one general year and then three years specialising in a particular field – really appealed to me more so than the others on offer. It gave me a year to get a feel for all branches before making the big decision.
I considered a lot of career pursuits whilst at UQ that I hadn’t originally thought about – pure maths, space and mechanical, electro-magnetics – but in the end chose computers. These alternative considerations only came about because of the engaging, very intelligent and very enthusiastic lecturers I was fortunate enough to have in those fields.
UQ seemingly offers everything at a very high quality, and I think that’s easily its greatest strength. My friends at University weren’t just engineers and IT students, they were future scientists, accountants, lawyers, doctors, teachers and historians.
You won’t regret going to UQ. The people there, both students and lecturers, are at the top of their game. You will benefit from being surrounded by them. And of course, at the end of it all, you’ll have a degree more impressive than most.
What our international students say...