Local mechanical engineering student, Thomas Squires StudIEAust has received the 2016 Craig Gilbert Leadership Award.
Sponsored by Tonkin Consulting, the award is presented annually to a South Australian engineering student, who having completed the penultimate year of their degree, has demonstrated the most outstanding self-discipline, practical engineering ability, interpersonal skills, and leadership potential amongst their peers.
Thomas is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Sustainable Energy) at the University of Adelaide.
Why are you studying engineering?
I have always enjoyed the challenge of problem solving and learning how and why things work.
My grandfather was a mechanical engineer and when I was little he would show me all his inventions and workbooks. I looked up to him and this inspired me to study mechanical engineering. I still keep all his drawings and workbooks on my desk and find it quite interesting to compare how engineering has evolved.
What does it mean to receive the Craig Gilbert Leadership Award?
It was an absolute honour to be nominated by one of my lecturers, Dr Cristian Birzer MIEAust CPEng NER and then win the award.
I felt quite proud that people had noticed leadership traits in me. The award process gave me the opportunity to understand different styles of leadership and further recognise and reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses. It has helped give me direction and motivation towards becoming the type of leader that I would like to be in the future.
Any advice for students deciding what they want to study?
This may sound extremely generic, but I would definitely tell them to choose a qualification based on something they enjoy and are passionate about, as I don’t think I would have progressed this far through my degree if I wasn’t passionate about it.
At the same time, they should also look at the job prospects. It would be beneficial in the long run to actually check the trends and positions open in their preferred career.
Who is your hero and how do they inspire you?
I would have to say that my biggest heroes and inspirations are my parents.
They inspire me in every aspect of life: through their relationship together, professional career achievements, passion towards their interests, and their morals. They have continuously supported me and given me guidance with all my life choices, and I always take their advice and opinions with a high regard.
What is the best piece of advice your parents gave you?
Probably to always put in my best effort towards everything that I undertake and to understand that at the end of the day, all that really matters is that I am proud of my effort.
This advice has supported me to be successful in areas such as my university studies, casual work and sports. It helps keep me motivated towards my personal goals and encourages me to continuously have a positive attitude.
If you could take a year off to study anything, what would it be?
Economics.
I like the idea of solving problems through engineering but I also find it quite interesting to determine the economic viability of the solutions. I have applied to study a Masters in Economics next year, so this might become reality!
Image: Thomas Squires StudIEAust accepting the 2016 Craig Gilbert Leadership Award at the Sir Eric Neal Address.