Sadeepa explains how his student ambassador role taught him the art of networking and the importance of teamwork. He also gives us some insight about securing a new role using these skills. 

What was your inspiration for studying engineering? 

My inspiration for studying engineering was driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Engineering offers a unique avenue to solve real-world problems and contribute to the betterment of society. The combination of innovation, problem-solving, and the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct and lasting effect on people's lives was the overarching motivation that led me to pursue a career in engineering. Additionally, the field's emphasis on mechanical components and mathematics further fuelled my interest and provided the necessary tools to turn this aspiration into a reality. 
 
You were one of this year’s student ambassadors. What did you learn from this role and how has it helped your journey? 
 
Serving as a student ambassador was an enlightening experience. It taught me the art of networking and the importance of teamwork. Working alongside other student engineers, I honed my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learned how to collaborate effectively as a team. These skills have proven invaluable in my journey, enabling me to communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals, making my transition into the industry smoother and more productive. 
 
Can you tell us more about how you secure your new role?  

I secured my undergraduate role through proactive use of career tools like LinkedIn. It highlights the significance of leveraging such platforms for job searches. I ensured that my LinkedIn profile was comprehensive and showcased my skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Networking played a pivotal role as well, with regular engagement in industry-related discussions and connections. In the end, it was a connection on LinkedIn that led to my first job interview. The key lesson here is that in today's job market, these career tools are essential for connecting with potential employers and finding opportunities. 
 
What sort of opportunities are you seeing in the mechanical engineering? 
 
While there's substantial growth in mechanical engineering, especially in the construction industry in Australia, my personal goals lie in systems engineering within the Electric Vehicle (EV) space and its infrastructure. This aligns with the broader trend toward sustainable and green technologies. The demand for EVs is growing rapidly, and the development of infrastructure to support them is a key focus. Systems engineers play a critical role in ensuring these technologies are efficient and sustainable. Within the mechanical engineering field, there are opportunities to help better the world and contribute to the green movement through innovative work in the EV space and its supporting infrastructure.