Engineers Australia member Harsha Bodla is passionate about creating sustainable and efficient solutions for long-term impact. He chats to us about what he has learnt as a graduate engineer.

What inspired you to study engineering or were you considering any other pathways? 

I was initially drawn to medicine, captivated by the idea of improving lives. However, my interest in engineering started to grow as I explored how technology could revolutionise healthcare. I became fascinated by the potential to integrate medical knowledge with engineering principles to develop innovative solutions for pressing health challenges. 

The energy sector also intrigued me, as it offers opportunities to create sustainable and efficient solutions that can benefit society in a long-term aspect. The intersection of medicine, engineering and energy seemed like a promising avenue to make a significant impact. 

You have had numerous volunteer roles throughout your engineering journey, can you tell us your inspiration to give back and what you get out of it?  

My passion for giving back stems from a deep belief in the power of engineering to positively impact society. Volunteering has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and apply my skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges and make a tangible difference.  

Through my previous roles, I've gained invaluable experience, expanded my professional network and developed a strong sense of purpose. It's incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of my efforts and to contribute to causes I'm passionate about. 

What are some important lessons you have learnt during your time as a graduate engineer that can help others?  

Never be afraid to question anything. This has helped me tackle various obstacles throughout my time as a graduate engineer and eventually helped the team and business I’m working in.  

Another important lesson my mentors have told me is always building strong relationships. Anyone can build relationships through working on a project with someone or when meeting through new networks, but it’s what you do to go further to solidify the relationship that really counts.  

Finally, adaptability is key to success in any field or expertise. I always had to adapt to different engineering landscapes and dynamics, to tackle a new challenge which helped myself and the company I work for grow.   

What are your hopes for your future in the engineering profession? 

I aspire to become a respected and innovative engineer who contributes to meaningful projects that positively impact society. I'm particularly interested in the renewable energy and biomedical engineering sector and I hope to learn more about it. I will continue developing my technical skills, staying up to date with industry trends and collaborating with talented professionals to drive advancements in my fields.