Angelina discovered her passion for engineering after first exploring computer science and the broader STEM landscape. Now working as an Associate Project Engineer, she shares how internships, industry engagement and curiosity helped shape her early career.
What drew you to engineering?
I initially didn’t consider engineering because I thought it would be rigid, so I began studying computer science while exploring STEM options. During my first semester, I met inspiring engineering students and joining clubs, which showed me how exciting and dynamic the field can be.
I realised engineering allows you to turn the impossible into the possible and offers countless ways to channel creativity. Far from rigid, it encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving. That balance of creativity, challenge and tangible impact is what ultimately led me to pursue engineering as a career.
You’ve gained extensive internship experience – how has that added value to your current role?
Although my current role differs from my previous internship experiences, those experiences have been invaluable in shaping how I approach engineering challenges. They helped me to develop and refine my engineering mindset by applying first-principles thinking to real world problems and develop transferable technical skills.
Beyond technical growth, these internships taught me the value of being proactive, communicating clearly and exercising leadership. Working across different teams and projects also enhanced my ability to analyse problems critically, adapt solutions to new contexts and collaborate effectively – all skills I continue to apply in my current role today.
You recently stepped into the role of Associate Project Engineer. Could you walk us through your journey from application to interview?
I applied online for the role and completed an initial screening, which included basic electrical engineering questions. The first technical round was a 30-minute discussion focused on transferable technical concepts and my past project experience.
The second technical round involved a 30-minute presentation on a project I had worked on, giving me the chance to showcase skills directly relevant to the role and answer questions from the panel.
The final round was a discussion with the hiring manager, aimed at assessing my understanding of the role, while exploring how my background aligned with the team’s work. I was also asked about my motivation behind wanting to join the company and how I could contribute to its projects.
In what ways did serving as a student ambassador for Engineers Australia benefit your career journey?
Serving as a student ambassador for Engineers Australia allowed me to engage more closely with the professional engineering community and gain insight into different industries and career pathways.
Through Engineers Australia led volunteering initiatives and industry events, I developed leadership skills and gained early insight into what a successful engineering career can look like. I also had many opportunities to connect with passionate engineering professionals who were willing to share their time, experiences and mentorship. Theses interactions helped me reflect on the value I could bring to an organisation and align my career ambitions with potential progression pathways.
The role helped me build meaningful connections and connect with like-minded students, enabling us to support one another as we navigated the early stages of our careers.
What advice would you share with engineering graduates preparing to enter the workforce?
Embrace the learning process – both the highs and the lows – and truly enjoy it. Stay curious, ask questions and strive to go beyond expectations.
It’s also important to reflect on the impact you want to make through your work. Trust yourself to take on new challenges and commit fully to them. In doing so, you’ll cultivate a passion that will inspire you to continue to grow meaningfully while helping shape the world around you.