Julian O’Shea was recently recognised by Engineers Australia as the 2017 Engineer of the Year for Victoria. We sat down with Julian to find out a little more about his work and life.
Hi Julian, and congratulations on being named 2017 Victorian Professional Engineer of the Year What are your qualifications?
- Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) – University of Adelaide
- Master of Engineering Science (Project Management) – University of New South Wales
- Master of Business Administration – University of South Australia
How long have you been working as an engineer?
I finished my undergrad studies in 2005. Since then I’ve worked in electronics engineering, engineering education and in international development.
What industry do you work in? / What is your area of expertise?
I lead organisation called Unbound (www.unbound.edu.au) - we design and deliver innovative education programs with universities across Australia. Our goal is to get students out of the lecture theatre and into the real world – working on practical projects with real impact. Whether it’s designing pulley systems to move construction materials across mountainous regions of Nepal; launching a maternal health kit startup in Vietnam; or designing with bamboo in rural Thailand. My expertise is at the intersection of education, technology and social impact; supporting students to invent, learn and collaborate around the world.
Where did you start your career?
My first role was as an engineer working for the Department of Defence in electronic systems.
What is the significance of winning this award to you and your career?
This award was great recognition for the entire Unbound team and our partners around the world. We’re excited to design and develop even more innovative engineering education programs and think this award will help take us to the next level.
What is your current job title and function?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Unbound. My role is to design learning programs in collaboration with university partners, and host communities around the world. Setting the direction of the organisation while diving into program delivery as required.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Being able to work with amazing people and innovators around the world is the best part of my job. Whether it’s bamboo and earth designers in Nepal or paper-makers in Vietnam. Working with university students and the next-generation of innovators is inspiring.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
We have some exciting projects on the go. Our international programs are expanding to new countries: Myanmar and Guatemala. We’re designing new education programs on social impact with MIT’s D-Lab. We’ve also kicked off a program encouraging diverse groups – particularly migrants and refugees – to launch startups across Victoria.
What has helped you get ahead and what strategies have helped give you the edge?
Bringing new ideas and creating projects that people get excited by. People want to get involved in cool projects and the world needs new ways of doing things.
Tell us about your greatest achievement as an engineer?
Creating programs that give young engineers practical experience and the chance to have real impact. Unbound has been recognised as an innovator in this space and we’re excited to expand our work and impact.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
A childhood of Lego and a desire to build cool things.
Do you have any advice for young engineers just starting their career?
Make the most of all opportunities – especially those that feel outside your normal work area. The real innovation is happening at the intersection of disciplines so learning widely and working with people from diverse backgrounds is key.
Who is your engineering hero?
I’m inspired by the local innovators around the world using technology to make their community a better place.
What is your favourite movie?
Office Space
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Travel to interesting places is my favourite thing to do. One project I’m working on in 2018 is converting a tuk-tuk into a solar-powered vehicle and then we’re planning on a global circumnavigation. If successful, it would be a world-first