How would you introduce yourself in one sentence?

I am a hardworking and enthusiastic individual, who is keen on applying my many talents and passion in Power Systems field.

Why did you choose to study engineering?

Four years ago, I was faced with a decision of my future career, and there was not a hint of hesitation. Auckland University of Technology was at the top of my list at the time, and it is where I am currently completing my final year of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Major with focus on Power Systems Researching and Designing.

In which projects have you been involved in and outside of university?

The university provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as a professional and social student. A major part of the degree is based on group activities and team projects. Team projects are a great way to learn life-long invaluable skills such as collaboration and leadership. The challenges that are faced by a team are beyond just solving a given problem, they are about understanding the dynamics of the team and the personalities of its members. This is the reason why it is crucial to choose the right leader. I pride myself in my leadership skills, and I have taken the lead multiple times during this degree. One of the earliest experiences was during the first year: 2015 EWB Challenge. My team’s project was to design a low-cost cooking technology to support a community in Bambui. As it was the first year of our degree, the members were not yet acquainted with each other, but all were enthusiastic to complete the project. It started out smoothly, the tasks were divided, and the work began. Unforeseeably, one of the team members had to leave the degree, which forced the whole team to revert back into the storming and norming stages of development. The importance of right leadership became clear during that time, and I have felt like I am capable of that task. As a result, the designed solution was chosen to represent the university on the national contest.

Apart from leadership and communication skills, being an engineer requires deep knowledge in the desired field. One of the best ways to get such knowledge is work in the industry. I have had the privilege of completing an internship for the worldwide leader in marine electronics: R&D Hardware. During the role I was involved in the entire developing process: prototyping, evaluating, assembling, soldering, testing, validating, modifying, improving current designs, from initial concept developing to hands-on product testing and introduction to volume manufacturing. Nevertheless, this was mainly based micro and power electronics, the basic principles, concepts, and outcomes are easily transferring to the larger scale of Power systems.

How would you like to contribute to the electricity supply industry in the future?

My long-term goal is to work in my dream field: Power Systems engineering. Right now, I cannot say for sure whether it is going to be a substation, generation, protection, or earthing design; however, I am confident enough to say that once I graduate, I will be proud to have the Engineering Honours degree from Auckland, and will use all my potential and ambitions to become the best in the industry, which will be the only appropriate way to express my gratitude to the university.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to high school students wanting to start a degree in engineering? And to university students who are about to select their engineering specialisation?

I would love to share an idea I got from one of the Power Systems engineers I have met on this year’s EEA conference. Do not follow anyone’s path or opinion, choose what really drives and genuinely excites you. Engineering is all about one simple skill – risk assessment. Learn it and you would be able to become anyone you want from a Stockbroker to a Project Manager.